Business – WEST | Alumni Blog

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...

UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

24Feb

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UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

We are delighted that the UWS Brough Lecture will this year be delivered by Chief Executive of Greggs plc, Roisin Currie CBE on ‘Greggs Through The Ages’. The lecture will take place at our UWS Paisley campus on Friday 13 March at 10.30am. The Brough Lecture commemorates the University’s origins, when philanthropist, Peter Brough, provided funds to establish the original Paisley Technical School in 1897 in his hometown. Appointed Chief Executive of Greggs plc in May 2022, Roisin has worked at the hospitality giant since 2010, after twenty years in senior HR roles across the UK. Roisin joined Greggs as Group People Director, progressing to Retail Operations and People Director, then Retail and Property Director, before taking on her current role. Roisin is Chair of the Employer...

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...

2Feb

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UWS Welcomes New Chair of Court

University of the West of Scotland officially welcomed Joyce White OBE as its new Chair of Court 2 February 2026, marking the beginning of her term in office. Gavin Lee, Interim Vice-Principal (Governance) & University Secretary, said: "As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-sector organisations will be invaluable to the University. I, along with colleagues from across the University, look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead. As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-...

Enterprise Seychelles Agency Appoints UWS Graduate as CEO

13Jan

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Alumni Stories

Enterprise Seychelles Agency Appoints UWS Graduate as CEO

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA). Dylis Cedras, who holds an MBA in business management from UWS, has 17 years of experience in the public service, having begun her career in 2008 as a Secondary School Teacher with the Ministry of Education. Before joining the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), serving as Visitor Centre and Sales Manager from 2012 to 2013, Dylis subsequently served as a Business Analyst at the Financial Services Authority between 2014 and 2015. She returned to SIF in 2015, completed her MBA in 2020 at University of the Seychelles and held the position of Sales and Marketing Officer until 2021, advancing to Sales and Marketing Manager from 2021 to 2023....

Marketing Graduate Recognised in New Year Honours

6Jan

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Marketing Graduate Recognised in New Year Honours

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for 2026. Mark McCulloch, who graduated from the BA Marketing programme at the then University of Paisley (now UWS), has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to marketing and the UK hospitality sector. “I’m absolutely over the moon,” commented Mark. “The foundations laid during my time at UWS played a meaningful part in the journey that has led to this honour, and I remain genuinely proud to be a graduate of the university.” Mark McCulloch MBE, BA Marketing 1999 Graduating in 1999 from the Paisley Campus, Mark is considered one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in Europe. He has more than 20 years' brand, marketing, ...

2Dec

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UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

23Oct

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Alumni Stories

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has delivered a TEDx talk in Canada on the theme of kindness being a core leadership competency. Robin Young is a Canadian native who studied Commercial Music at UWS Ayr campus as part of the partnership with Harris Institute in Toronto, Canada. Graduating in 2013, he also subsequently completed his MBA at UWS in 2021. At TEDxOshawa his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments. “Earlier this year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and delivered a talk on leading with kindness,” explained Robin. “In the talk I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting ch...

12Sep

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Alumni Stories

From Radio Dreams to Podcast Reality

Jeicy Kivuyo is an MBA graduate from UWS who, alongside her career in tech, is the founder and host of Stories Next Door - a storytelling platform that shines a light on everyday people with extraordinary stories. Through engaging interviews, cinematic visuals and grassroots storytelling, the podcast explores themes of identity, resilience, culture, and community. We caught up with Jeicy to find out more. The Stories Next Door podcast is one year old this month. Can you tell us how the podcast came about? There’s an African proverb that says, ‘Little by little, the bird builds its nest.’ It means big goals are achieved through small, consistent efforts over time. That proverb sums up my journey with storytelling. I’ve always loved radio. I worked ...

9Sep

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Become a Mentor at UWS

Can you motivate people? Do you like helping people to develop? We are looking for inspiring professionals to mentor our students! The UWS mentoring programme is about to kick off for 2025-2026 and we are looking for alumni to get involved in the programme. Alumna and mentor Sarah said: “If I was to give one piece of advice for people thinking about doing mentoring… It would definitely be just to go for it. I got a lot out of it, passing on advice to my mentee and keeping my connections with UWS alive.” As a mentor, you will share your experience of work to help motivate and inspire your mentee and practice many skills including coaching and leadership. “Why did I become a mentor at UWS? First of all it was to give something back. I really enjoyed my time at UWS, it was an extr...