Featured – WEST | Alumni Blog

30Apr

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: Melanie Smyth

In this alumni interview we speak with Melanie Smyth, a proud adult nursing graduate from UWS Ayr Campus, who has built an impressive career beyond traditional clinical practice. Now serving as Senior Director of Clinical Operations at hVIVO in London, Melanie reflects on her journey from the wards to senior leadership. Melanie Smyth BSc Adult Nursing 2008 Looking back, what originally inspired you to study nursing and why did you choose UWS? I've always seen nursing as more than just a ‘job’ - it's something in you, I genuinely believe it’s something you’re born with. I carry my nursing values with me everywhere, not just at work but also in my personal life. I chose UWS mainly because it had a great reputation and was close to my parents’ house, which made things easier while I ...

29Apr

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: Amanda Hursy

In this alumni interview we speak to comedian and writer Amanda Hursy, whose sharp observations have helped her build a growing reputation on the comedy circuit. Amanda graduated from the BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree at UWS. Photo: Amanda Hursy, BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology (2009) Can you tell us a bit about what you’re doing now? I am working up material for my new stand up hour called ‘Death of a Saleswoman’ that will be on at the Gilded Balloon Patter House this Edinburgh Fringe. It's a new show about masking in the corporate sales world for over 20 years and accidentally becoming a comedian. I am also building up my own business which is launching this year and have already been booked for huge civic events such as the Commonwealth games - so it's an exci...

Alumna Strikes Gold at European Championships

14Apr

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Alumna Strikes Gold at European Championships

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has picked up gold at the European Badminton Championships in Huelva, Spain, and become the first British woman to win a singles title in 40 years. Kirsty Gilmour, who graduated from UWS in 2015, beat Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt of Denmark in the final to win gold after previously placing second in the 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024 and 2025 finals. In a story of resilience and determination, Kirsty overcame injury to win a European Championship gold medal for the first time against the opponent who beat her in the final last year. “Being able to call myself European Champion after so many near misses feels better than I could’ve ever dreamed. It’s certainly made for a great story,” commented Kirsty on social media. https://www.yout...

Sport Graduate Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fordham University

3Apr

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Sport Graduate Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fordham University

Following a national search, Fordham University has announced that a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate will become its new head women's basketball coach, taking the reins of the school's 55-year-old program. Neil Harrow, BSc Sport Coaching 2010 Sport coaching graduate Neil Harrow joins Fordham after a standout season at Long Island University, where he orchestrated a 20-win season in his debut year as head coach. His arrival at Rose Hill follows a decorated coaching career, including a successful stint as the associate head coach at James Madison University from 2022 to 2025 "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Fordham women's basketball," said Neil. "I want to sincerely thank President Tetlow and Athletic Director Charles Guthrie for their faith i...

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

25Mar

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Alumni Stories, Featured

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

NHS Fife has announced the appointment of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate William Edwards as its new Chief Executive. William Edwards, BA Business and Management 1999 William joins NHS Fife from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where he has served as Deputy Chief Executive since May 2025, having previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer. William said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of NHS Fife. It is a privilege to lead an organisation with such a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. “I look forward to working closely with staff, partners and local communities to build on existing strengths, embrace innovation and ensure our services are sustainable for the future. Together, we will focus on delivering safe, effect...

Dedicated Midwife Recognised with Prestigious Award

11Mar

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Dedicated Midwife Recognised with Prestigious Award

A dedicated and inspiring University of the West of Scotland (UWS) recent graduate has been named Student Midwife of the Year at the 2026 Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Awards. Photo: Mira Waligora Mira Waligora, who studied Midwifery at UWS, was recognised for her impressive initiative, leadership, and contribution, not only to the women and families she works with, but also in her role as Vice-President of the UWS Midwifery Society. The RCM Awards celebrate, reward and share outstanding achievements in the midwifery profession across the UK. Graduating from UWS in 2025, Mira was active in student leadership, establishing the UWS Midwifery Society podcast and developing initiatives for working with interpreters in maternity services. She has led workshops on language, cu...

From Students to Supporters: George and Lynne Glasgow Give Back

5Mar

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From Students to Supporters: George and Lynne Glasgow Give Back

When George and Lynne Glasgow look back on their university days, they remember them as some of the most formative and rewarding years of their lives. “Five days a week with a regular schedule, evenings in the library, and that sense of excitement about the opportunities ahead,” George recalls. There were moments of creativity too, including working on a weekly student information television programme in the college studio, being recognised with awards at the end of his studies and, of course, the occasional visit to the much-loved Storie Street chippie. Lynne and George Glasgow Those years at what is now the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) played an important part in shaping George’s future career. “The sandwich aspect of my degree was very helpful in preparing me for indus...

Alumnus Picks Up Olympic Silver with Team GB Curlers

24Feb

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Alumnus Picks Up Olympic Silver with Team GB Curlers

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has collected a silver medal as part of Team GB’s men’s curling team at the Winter Olympics. Kyle Waddell, who graduated from the BSc (Hons) Sport Development degree at UWS, made his Olympic Winter Games debut at PyeongChang 2018 for Team GB in Curling and returned to the Olympic stage for the first time in eight years at Milano Cortina 2026. Kyle Waddell BSc (Hons) Sport Development 2016 Team GB - Bruce Mouat, Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan, Bobby Lammie and alternate Kyle Waddell - arrived in Cortina as world champions and favourites, but were beaten 9-6 by Canada in the final. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVCSoCgDb8O/ Graduating in 2016 Kyle won a Silver medal at the European Championships in St Gallen in 2017 before join...

Alumnus Calls on the UWS Community to be Yellow Yogis

23Feb

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Alumnus Calls on the UWS Community to be Yellow Yogis

When it comes to backing great causes, UWS alumnus Mike Smith doesn’t just show up — he steps up. The business graduate is calling on the entire UWS community — students, staff and fellow alumni — to become ‘Yellow Yogis’ this September in support of Beatson Cancer Charity. A graduate from the BA Business Economics degree programme, today, Mike is Group CEO of the orb group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded merchandise, corporate clothing and point-of-sale solutions. With offices in Glasgow and London he works with powerhouse brands including Tunnock’s, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scottish Power and Arnold Clark. But beyond business success, it’s his long-standing commitment to cancer charities that truly defines him. Mike has supported the Beatson since the 1980s, s...

20Feb

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Featured, Profiles

UWS Graduate is All In For Glasgow 2026

As a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Sport Graduate, Gary Grieve has always had a passion for supporting sport in communities, believing that it can be transformative in young peoples' lives and a force for good. His career has taken him to Copenhagen, London, Loughborough and now, Glasgow. Here he tells us how he's All In for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. How did studying at UWS prepare you for a career in the Sport Industry? My course had a variety of modules including Event Management, Sports Development, Sports Coaching and Sports Tourism, to name a few. The variety of modules provided me with a greater understanding of the wider sport, physical activity, culture and health sectors whilst also getting hands on experience. As part of my course, I complet...