The Chancellor
The office of the Chancellor has existed since the foundation of the University, although there is no comprehensive definition of the powers of the modern Chancellor. The most authoritative definition comes from the return made by the University to the Commissioners of 1826 which states:
The Chancellor is head of the University. He [sic] is consulted on all public matters relative to its welfare, and he is also Conservator of its privileges. The power of conferring degrees is vested in him: this he may exercise either personally when present or by his depute when absent, with the advice of the doctors and masters of the University.
The Chancellor is the ordinary President of the General Council and appoints an assessor on the University Court.
The current Chancellor of the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is Dame Anne Pringle.
Dame Anne Pringle is a trailblazing British diplomat whose career has consistently broken new ground and expanded what is possible for those who serve in public life.
Born in Glasgow, she became the first woman to serve as the UK’s Ambassador to Russia from 2008 to 2011 and earlier as Ambassador to the Czech Republic, 2001 to 2004. Her diplomatic work centred on the most significant geopolitical issues of her time: European policy, including negotiations on the Maastricht treaty, and the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse. In the 1990s she also contributed to the Middle East peace talks, bringing a steady commitment to dialogue in some of the world’s most complex regions. Her postings twice took her to both Brussels and Moscow.
After leaving the Foreign Office in 2012, Anne built a second career dedicated to leadership, governance and public service across business, culture and academia. She served on the Foreign Secretary’s Locarno Group (2012-2016), advising on strategic international issues; was a non-executive director of Ashmore Group plc (2012-2021); and a public appointments assessor (2012-2016). She also contributed to the cultural life of the UK as a trustee of Shakespeare’s Globe (2016-2021).
Anne's longstanding commitment to higher education led her back to the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, where, after four years on Court, she was elected Senior Governor (2016-2020). In this influential role, she oversaw institutional strategy, major capital projects and the effectiveness of the University’s highest governing body. Her leadership helped deliver significant developments across the University estate and strengthened ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’ position as a world-leading institution.
Anne continues to contribute actively across sectors. She serves on the advisory board of a private asset manager, is a Patron of Kew Gardens and Glyndebourne Opera and a passionate supporter of education and the arts. She personally funds scholarships for undergraduates and researchers at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, reflecting her belief that opportunity, creativity and learning should be accessible to all.
Educated at the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (1973-1977), Anne graduated with an MA Hons in French and German. In recognition of her service as Senior Governor, the University conferred an Honorary DLitt on her in 2022.
The Chancellor welcomes engagement with all students and staff and will be delighted to meet as many of you as possible on request during her regular visits to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
She can be reached on:
Email: chancellor@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2544
Address: College Gate, North Street, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Fife, KY16 9AJ