By Amelia Boag McGlynn & Emily Reid
The University of Aberdeen have announced their new Executive Deans following a controversial faculty remodel, The Gaudie reports.
A staff communication shared earlier today revealed the four members of staff appointed to the helm of newly created “faculties” that have replaced twelve individual schools.
The structural reorganisation, approved in April 2026, is part of the University’s £10 million saving plan. The plan also threatens to cut over 100 jobs across the institution.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Professor Beth Lord is to take on faculty head of Arts and Humanities.
She enters the role with 20 years of leadership at both the University of Aberdeen and University of Dundee. She most recently served as Head of the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History (DHPA).
Lord said: “I am excited to lead a Faculty that consolidates our outstanding research and teaching across arts and humanities.
I care deeply about our disciplines and look forward to working with colleagues to create a collaborative and inclusive environment and a culture of intellectual endeavour that allows us to face the future with confidence.”
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences will be headed by Professor John Skåtun, who has led the university’s Business School (UABS) since 2023.
His research involves gender equality and economics, and was part of recruiting the first female Professor of Economics at the university.
Skåtun is “honoured” to become the Executive Dean for the faculty:
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the three Schools. Together I hope to enhance our combined strengths in a faculty built on excellence in teaching and research.
The next few months will be a period of discovery as members and disciplines of the new Faculty come together to explore the synergies between the three Schools.”
Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences
The faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences will be manned by Professor David Blackbourn. The virologist was the previous head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, running the departments since July 2024.
Blackbourn said:
“I am thrilled to be appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the University to shape an exciting future and ensure the Faculty reaches its full potential.”
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The fourth executive dean will be Professor Dave Muirhead, heading the faculty of Science and Engineering. He has spent nearly seven years as the Head of School of Geosciences.
Dave said:
I’m delighted to take on this role and steward the Faculty in this next, critical stage for the University. Our Schools and Disciplines all have outstanding historical footings, with significant global reach with our teaching, research and commercialisation, leaving the Faculty well-placed to lead the discussion in many of society’s current challenges. I look forward to working creatively and collaboratively to provide an inspiring, collegiate and inclusive atmosphere in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.”
Principal Pete Edwards shared his congratulations to the staff members in the staff communication:
“I would like to congratulate all four Executive Deans and look forward to working closely with them as they join our new University Executive Board, which succeeds SMT. This is a key milestone in our transformation and further updates will follow shortly.”
The group of deans will officially begin on the first of October. It is estimated that the roles will earn between £112,000 and £140,000 per annum.
The principal shared further: “They will soon begin succession planning for the Head of School roles they will now vacate, and Schools will be updated as these plans develop.”