Amanda Millar elected to chair Dundee University court
Amanda Millar, Past President of the Law Society of Scotland, has been elected Chair of Court at the University of Dundee.
Staff and students elected Ms Millar to preside over the university's governing body for a three year term, giving her 523 votes to the 369 cast for William Patey, the other candidate. She takes over from outgoing Chair of Court Ronnie Bowie from 1 August 2022.
Court is responsible for overseeing the institution’s activities, agreeing its strategic direction, and ensuring an environment that allows the university to achieve its objectives and for all students and learners to realise their potential. As Chair of Court, Ms Millar will be responsible for its leadership and effectiveness.
Last week Ms Millar also took up post as chair of Samaritans Scotland Committee.
Her legal career was dedicated to representing the interests of vulnerable people, and she became the first Scottish solicitor accredited as a specialist in both mental health law and incapacity and mental disability law.
"I am delighted to have been elected Chair of Court and particularly thrilled to see an increase in the numbers of those exercising their right to vote," she said. "I appreciate everyone who took the time to vote in the election.
"The university is just about to launch its new strategy. This, along with learning positively from the challenges of the last few years, makes this an exciting time for Dundee. My core values of equality, equity, justice, and respect have led me to build a career based on honesty, integrity, clarity, and an ambitious desire to help people access opportunities and develop themselves.
"These values, combined with a track record of governance improvement, strategic progress, and a passionate belief in equality of opportunity, sit well with the university’s vision to positively transform lives. I look forward to leading the court to govern, challenge and support the university in delivering on its aims over the next three years."
Dr Jim McGeorge, university secretary and chief operating officer, added: "A successful Chair of Court must share the university’s vision and values, and Amanda has demonstrated a clear commitment to all these as well as possessing a highly impressive track record of delivering strategic goals on behalf of the organisations she has led."