Honorary degrees for human rights activist, football leader and national health chief

Queen Margaret University (QMU) celebrated an exceptional trio of inspirational women at its graduation ceremonies (6 and 7 July 2026), awarding honorary degrees to a women’s rights campaigner, an elite sports leader and a national adviser in health and person‑centred care. 

Human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, whose work has helped drive the global fight against female genital mutilation; Susan Black, former Director of Communications at Liverpool Football Club; and Professor Carolyn McDonald, former Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for the Scottish Government, were honoured at ceremonies held at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. 

Across three ceremonies, the honorary graduates joined QMU Chancellor, and TV judge, Patrick Grant, in celebrating the achievements of hundreds of new graduates, marking a proud and memorable moment in the University’s academic calendar. 

Fatou Baldeh MBE – awarded Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa 

After graduating from Queen Margaret University in 2013, Fatou Baldeh MBE worked with the Dignity Alert Research Forum in Edinburgh, becoming Director in 2015 and amplifying the voices of marginalised women while strengthening advocacy for minority ethnic communities across Scotland. 

Fatou has spoken publicly about female genital mutilation (FGM) in Scotland - challenging denial and stigma, and demanding accountability – and has given evidence to the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Scottish Parliament, setting out concrete measures needed to prevent girls and women from being subjected to FGM. Her testimony helped shape policy, professional practice and public understanding, positioning Scotland as a leader in prevention and survivor‑centred safeguarding. 

In 2018, she returned to The Gambia, founding Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), an organisation driving systemic change and supporting survivors of gender‑based violence. Through WILL, she has documented the experiences of women affected under the Jammeh regime, ensuring their voices are central to national processes of justice, healing and reconciliation. 

Her global impact has been recognised at the highest level. In 2025, she was named by ‘Time’ as one of its Women of the Year and included in its ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’, and was also honoured by the Clooney Foundation for Justice for her role in safeguarding The Gambia’s ban on FGM.  

Susan Black – awarded Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa 

Susan, another graduate of QMU, spent fourteen years in senior leadership at Liverpool Football Club, serving as Director of Communications during a transformative period in the club’s modern history. In this role, she had responsibility for strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and internal communications at one of the world’s most recognised sporting institutions. 

Her influence extended well beyond communications. Susan served as Executive Director and Board Member of Liverpool FC Women, where she played a pivotal role in the club’s strategic approach to the women’s game. Her work supported Liverpool FC Women’s return to the Barclays Women’s Super League, alongside increased investment, visibility and long‑term ambition for women’s football. 

She served as a Board Member of the LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity, playing a pivotal part in the development of the LFC Foundation Legends charity match, which has raised more than £8.5 million for community programmes, supporting social inclusion, opportunity and wellbeing.  

Professor Carolyn McDonald – awarded Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa 

Professor McDonald’s career spans four decades of service to health, social care and education. Having graduated as an occupational therapist in 1985, she has spent her professional life working in Scotland across acute, community and public health settings, supporting people of all ages and needs.  

Until recently, Professor McDonald served as Chief Allied Health Professions Officer – the most senior professional adviser to the Scottish Government for the 14 allied health professions, represented the third‑largest clinical workforce in NHS Scotland. She provided expert advice to government ministers on education, workforce development, research, regulation and service innovation, and led the national strategic direction for rehabilitation as Scotland’s National Clinical Lead for Rehabilitation. Through this work, she elevated the visibility, influence and impact of allied health professions at the heart of policy and decision‑making.  

Professor McDonald has been widely respected for her commitment to collaboration with universities, health boards and professional bodies, and for championing education that is evidence‑based, practice‑focused and socially responsive. She is an Honorary Professor at QMU, reflecting her long-standing relationship with our institution grounded in shared values - particularly a belief in education as a force for public good and social change. 

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to occupational therapy and allied health professions, Professor McDonald was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in 2025, the highest honour of the profession.