‘Deeply honoured’: Strathclyde University principal becomes Knight Grand Cross

Professor Sir Jim McDonald of the University of Strathclyde, has been appointed to the most senior rank of the Order of the British Empire for services to engineering, education and energy.

Sir Jim said: “I am deeply honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty in this way.

“It is a huge privilege to be principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and to hold the presidency of the Royal Academy of Engineering, one of the UK’s national academies.

“The discipline of engineering – particularly in the field of energy – and the institution of Strathclyde are both very close to my heart and to receive such recognition for my work in these areas is incredibly humbling.

“I lead a fantastic team at Strathclyde and this award also recognises the help I’ve received from a huge number of people who have contributed to my personal development, professional opportunities and career over many years in academia, industry and public service.

“Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of my wife Eileen and that of my children, family and friends.”

Sir Jim became principal and vice-chancellor of the university in March 2009 having studied at the University of Strathclyde for his bachelor of science, masters and PhD degrees in the areas of electronic and electrical engineering, power systems and energy economics. 

He worked in the electrical utility sector for seven years before returning to the university in 1984 as a lecturer in electrical engineering.

Other academics at the university have also been recognised in the honours.

Professors Roma Maguire and Yvonne Perrie have been made MBEs and Gavin Halbert has been made an OBE for their work related to health and care and research.

Professor Maguire, director of the health and care futures initiative at Strathclyde, said she was “deeply honoured and humbled” by the appointment.

She added: “I am thankful for the privilege of working with exceptional colleagues who, like me, are driven by a shared passion for advancing healthcare research.

“Together we strive to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of individuals and society at large.”

Professor Perrie, head of Strathclyde’s Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be recognised.

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Sir Jim added: “I am truly delighted to see three more Strathclyders recognised for their contribution to their fields and to Scottish society in the New Year Honours list.

“Our people are what makes Strathclyde a socially progressive, leading international technological university that uses its distinctive approach to teaching, research and innovation to have a positive effect on the world around us.

“Roma, Yvonne and Gavin epitomise the very best of our impactful research leadership, and whose work is underpinned and facilitated by our institutional values.

“The entire university staff will join me in congratulating all three colleagues on this wonderful recognition of their work.”