UWS Alumni Blog

Month: June 2025

Sporting Alumni Stories Captured in New Podcast Series
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Alumni Stories, News

Sporting Alumni Stories Captured in New Podcast Series

A podcast series featuring sporting alumni, produced by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) journalism/ journalism (sports) students, has been released. The Top of the Scots podcast series delves into the world of sport with episodes from some of the university’s most talented former students, highlighting their incredible sporting successes across an array of sports. The series came about as part of a module in the BA journalism/journalism (sports) degree programme at UWS, and features student interviews with an Olympian, Paralympians, Commonwealth athletes, Coaches and a Scottish Cup winner. “I wanted to combine the knowledge of former students and their incredible graduate journeys with those in my current class about to set out on their own, to help them think there is a ...
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Alumni Interview: Mohammed Salihu
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Profiles

Alumni Interview: Mohammed Salihu

In this interview we speak to alumnus and poet Mohammed Salihu, who has published his debut collection of poetry, Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom. Tell us about the book and how it came about? Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom came from a deeply personal place. I started writing the poems as a way to process the loss of my father. At the time, I didn’t have the words to express what I was feeling, but poetry became a safe space for me to let it all out. As time passed, I realised that my poems often reflected where I was in my grief journey. When I was hurting, they were heavy. But as I began to heal, my writing shifted into something more hopeful and filled with gratitude. The book explores grief, memory, cultural identity, and resilience. It's not just about los...
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In Memory of Jim Prime
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News

In Memory of Jim Prime

Renowned musician, songwriter and former UWS lecturer Jim Prime has sadly passed away, aged 64, following a short battle with cancer. Jim, best known as the longtime keyboardist and co-writer with Scottish band Deacon Blue, was also a much-loved academic who taught at UWS from 2001 until his retirement in 2024. Jim joined UWS in 2001 and was instrumental in establishing the BA (Hons) Commercial Music degree, helping it grow into one of the University’s most successful and respected programmes. Over his 23-years with us, Jim brought a rare blend of academic insight and real-world industry experience to his teaching, sharing his knowledge across performance, theory, and the business of music in a way that deeply enriched the student experience. Outside the classroom, Jim was celebrated...
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BBC Scotland Podcast Hosted by Alumna Explores Dating Dilemmas
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Alumni Stories

BBC Scotland Podcast Hosted by Alumna Explores Dating Dilemmas

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate and TV personality have launched a brand-new podcast on the BBC. Nursing graduate and award-winning writer Sophie Gravia, known for her raunchy novels, has joined forces with TV personality Christine McGuinness to host a brand-new podcast, Situationships with Sophie and Christine, commissioned by BBC Scotland. Sophie who developed her hilarious blog into three best-selling books, A Glasgow Kiss, What Happens in Dubai and Meet Me in Milan whilst working full-time as a nurse, has gone on to write a further two hit novels. Talking about her time at UWS where she graduated with distinction from the BSc Adult Nursing degree in 2016, Sophie said: “I studied at the Hamilton Campus during my nursing training and had a great experienc...
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Sport Graduate Appointed New Head of Performance at Sparta
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Alumni Stories

Sport Graduate Appointed New Head of Performance at Sparta

A University of the West of Scotland alumnus has been appointed Head of Performance at AC Sparta Prague. Ian Coll, who graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Sport Coaching from UWS, has joined Sparta’s first team staff under head coach Brian Priske. The 44-year-old Scottish specialist brings extensive experience from clubs such as Celtic FC, Ludogorets Razgrad, and Hajduk Split. Ian commented: “A real honour and pleasure to join AC Sparta Prague, a very proud moment for me personally and a real culture of professionalism and family at the club.” “My time at UWS was the springboard for my current career. I know that the university is growing and expanding the Sport Science degrees to a high level. “Being a lecturer previously at the university, covering the Human Performance module, ...
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Retro Games Room Supporting Student Wellbeing
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News

Retro Games Room Supporting Student Wellbeing

Article written by: UWS Computer Games Development student Christopher Abraham Staff and students on the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have introduced a retro games room designed to enhance the student experience, wellbeing and belonging. In the Computer Games Development programme, students are given the chance to engage with a wide variety of activities as part of their academic journey. One exciting feature that has been introduced recently is the new retro games room, which opened in October 2024. This unique space allows undergraduates to immerse themselves in a nostalgic gaming experience, featuring a vast collection of classic consoles. These include iconic systems such as the GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 1, a...
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Alumnus Appointed Deputy Chief Executive at NHS GGC
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Alumni Stories

Alumnus Appointed Deputy Chief Executive at NHS GGC

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) business graduate has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC). William Edwards, BA Business and Management 1999 UWS graduate William Edwards was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive in May 2025 having held the role of Chief Operating Officer from January 2022. Welcoming the appointment, Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive, said: “I would like to congratulate William on his appointment. His role will be pivotal as we embark on a new chapter with our bold programme, The GGC Way Forward – Transforming Together. This initiative is set to drive comprehensive system-wide reform, and William’s leadership will be instrumental in supporting this transformation. “William will play a crucial part in rei...
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UWS Backs Graduate’s Debut Feature Film
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Alumni Stories, News

UWS Backs Graduate’s Debut Feature Film

In a rare move for a UK university, UWS will directly support the production of a new independent feature film - highlighting its commitment to students and strengthening Scotland’s screen industries. Still Falling, a film by UWS filmmaking graduate Harvey Gardner will begin shooting this summer with extensive involvement from UWS, alumni and emerging Scottish filmmakers. Harvey, a graduate of UWS’s MA Filmmaking programme, is known for his short film UFO, which won Best Postgraduate Drama at the national Royal Television Society Student Awards in 2020. Still Falling tells the story of a lonely young man who gathers his old friends to seek out a time capsule they buried years ago with their deceased fourth member – in a poignant attempt to recapture what was lost. ...
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