The University of Glasgow has appointed Mark Glover as Professor in Practice for Public Affairs and Economic Development.
Mr Glover will work with colleagues across the University to strengthen partnerships with civic, industry and policy leaders; bring professional insight into undergraduate and postgraduate teaching; and support students and researchers to apply their skills and ideas to real-world challenges. He will also help raise the University’s profile in innovation and enterprise, supporting efforts to attract investment, scale spin-outs. In addition, the new role will assist in strengthening the reach and reputation of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.
Mr Glover is chairman of corporate affairs agency SEC Newgate UK and has four decades of experience at the intersection of politics, communications and business. He founded Newington Communications in 2006, building it into one of the UK’s top ten public affairs consultancies before it merged to make SEC Newgate UK in 2021. In 2020, he received the PRCA’s Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs Award. Alongside his career in consultancy, he served as a councillor in Southwark for 12 years.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Glover said: “I am excited to be joining such a prestigious institution as the University of Glasgow, with a rich history of academic excellence, strong research and engagement with the business community. My passion is broadening opportunities through Widening Participation, for students to access the best education and careers, and I look forward to working with the team at Glasgow to achieve this and help drive economic growth.”
Professor Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Innovation and Economic Development, and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted with this strategic appointment. Mark’s expertise and values mirror those of the University, and his passion for delivering meaningful impact and outcomes – particularly for underrepresented groups and those from different socioeconomic backgrounds – will be invaluable. Through this appointment, the University will undoubtedly strengthen its ability to equip students and researchers with the skills, connections, and confidence to succeed in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.”
By bringing professional expertise into the academic community, the University reinforces its ambition to translate knowledge and collaboration into real-world impact.
