Court Members

Court is made up of a maximum of 25 members, including independent members, ex-officio members, and staff and student members.

Members of Court

The University Court is the Governing Body of the University. Its powers are set out in the University’s constitutional document, which is 'The Abertay University (Scotland) Order of Council 2019'.

Court is made up of a maximum of 25 members, including independent members, ex-officio members and staff, and student members. Independent members remain an absolute majority. Court meets at least five times each year.

As vacancies for independent members of Court become available from time to time, they will be advertised here and more widely. 

For further information on becoming a member of Court, or to contact any members of Court, please contact the Secretary to Court by emailing governance@abertay.ac.uk.

Important Documents Relating to Court Membership

Letters of Appointment

On appointment, new members of Court are sent Letters of Appointment from the Chair and the Secretary. Template copies are available on request to governance@abertay.ac.uk. 

Court's Key Individuals

Including the Chair of Court, Vice-Chair of Court, and the University Principal.

David Brew

David is the current Chair of Court and has an extensive public sector and governance background, and a lifelong commitment to Higher Education.

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Heather Dunk

Heather is the current Vice-Chair of Court and has 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors.

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Professor Liz Bacon

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, Professor Liz Bacon works closely with Court to deliver the University Strategy.

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Caroline Summers

Caroline is Secretary to Court and is also responsible for leading the University’s Strategic Planning and Governance functions.

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Veronica Lynch

Veronica is the current Court Intermediary and has 30 years’ experience in leadership roles gained across multiple organisations.

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Court Members A-Z

Dounia Allaiouti

Dounia is the current President of the Students' Association.

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Andrew Bailey

Andrew is an independent member of Court, having joined in 2018.

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John Barnett

John is an independent member of Court and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

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Liz Blackburn

Liz is an independent member of Court and the Vice-Chair of the Finance and Corporate Performance Committee.

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Dr Scott Cameron

Dr Scott Cameron joined Court in 2023 as the Senate Nominated Member.

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Col Iain Davidson

An Independent Member of Court, Iain developed a lifelong taste for learning while studying at Abertay.

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Robyn Donoghue

Robyn is an Independent Member of Court, a graduate of Abertay, and a communications specialist working in the third sector.

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Professor Ruth Falconer

Professor Ruth Falconer was elected to Court in 2023 as the academic staff member of Court.

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Kerith George-Briant

Kerith was elected to Court in 2023 as the support staff member of Court.

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Lynne Hamilton

Lynne is an Independent Member of Court and is committed to social and economic mobility, inclusion and opportunity.

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Pam Herries

Pam is an Independent Member of Court and is passionate about enabling students and staff to reach their full potential.

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Professor Alastair Irons

Professor Irons is the Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University.

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Fraser Keir

Fraser is an Independent Member of Court who's keen to ensure Abertay continues to deliver life changing opportunities.

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Jim MacGregor

Jim is an Independent Member of Court and feels passionate about the important role that universities play in society.

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Tony Marks

Tony is an Independent Member of the University Court and the Chair of the Finance and Corporate Performance Committee.

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Dr Hadi Mehrpouya

Dr Hadi Mehrpouya is the UCU nominated member of Court.

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Professor Edith Sim

Professor Edith Sim is an Independent Member of Court and the Vice-Chair of the People, Health and Equality Committee.

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Steven Traynor

Steven is an Independent Member of Court and progressed through the AHEAD programme to gain a place on his Civil Engineering degree course. 

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Thomas Sloan

Thomas is the Unite nominated member of Court.

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Luke Webster

Luke is the current Vice-President of the Students' Association.

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Officers closely related to Court

Following the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance, the Finance Director and HR Director, as senior officers involved with the governing body, have submitted their interests to the University's register of interests.

Gordon Weir

Gordon is Abertay University's Director of Finance, Infrastructure and Corporate Services and a member of the Executive Group.

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Eilidh Fraser

Eilidh is Abertay University's Director of People and Organisational Development and a member of the Executive Group.

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