Honorary degrees for women’s football leader and national health chief at QMU graduation
Tuesday 7 July 2026 – Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh today awarded honorary degrees to two exceptional women whose leadership has shaped national health policy and elite sport, at its 2026 graduation ceremonies at the Usher Hall.
Susan Black, a global leader in football communications and a proud QMU alumna, and Professor Carolyn McDonald, former Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for the Scottish Government, were recognised alongside the celebration of hundreds of new graduates. They joined QMU Chancellor Patrick Grant to mark the achievements of the Class of 2026.
Susan Black was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration for her outstanding leadership and communication in global sport and her commitment to community impact, while Professor Carolyn McDonald received an Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of her distinguished career and national influence on health and social care.
Susan Black - awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa
A graduate of QMU, Susan Black has built an impressive career defined by strategic leadership, resilience and purpose. After returning to education via a non‑traditional route while working full time, she began her career at NTL, where she led communications around major sports partnerships with Celtic and Rangers Football Clubs - an experience that first placed her at the heart of football and helped shape the insight and confidence that would define her career. She later went on to spend 14 years at Liverpool Football Club, serving as Director of Communications during a transformative era in the club’s history.
Her influence extended well beyond communications. As Executive Director and Board Member of Liverpool FC Women, she played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s approach to the women’s game, supporting its return to the Barclays Women’s Super League and driving increased investment, visibility and long-term ambition.
Susan also served on the Board of the LFC Foundation, where she helped develop the hugely successful Legends charity match, raising more than £8.5 million for community programmes that promote social inclusion, opportunity and wellbeing. Her work reflects a strong belief that sport has both influence and responsibility beyond the field of play.
Professor Carolyn McDonald – awarded Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa
Professor Carolyn McDonald’s career spans four decades of service across health, social care and education in Scotland. Originally trained as an occupational therapist, she has worked across acute, community and public health settings, consistently championing approaches that enable people to live full and meaningful lives.
Before becoming Chief Allied Health Professions Officer in 2020, Professor McDonald served as Director of Allied Health Professions in NHS Fife, where she led system-wide transformation and played a key role in integrating health and social care services.
As the Scottish Government’s most senior adviser on allied health professions, she represented a workforce spanning 14 professions and played a central role in shaping national policy on workforce development, education and service innovation. As Scotland’s National Clinical Lead for Rehabilitation, she helped elevate the role of rehabilitation in improving outcomes and reducing inequality.
Widely respected for her collaborative leadership, Professor McDonald has strengthened partnerships between universities, health boards and professional bodies, and has been a strong advocate for education that is evidence-based, practice-focused and socially responsive. Her contribution was recognised with a Fellowship of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in 2025, the profession’s highest honour.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: "Susan Black and Professor Carolyn McDonald exemplify the transformative power of leadership grounded in purpose, integrity and a commitment to others.
Susan’s career demonstrates how strategic insight, resilience and ambition can take you to the very heart of global sport, while using that influence to advance women’s football and create lasting community impact. Her journey - from returning to education at QMU to helping shape one of the world’s most iconic football clubs - is a powerful testament to lifelong learning and determination.
Professor McDonald’s contribution to health and social care in Scotland has been equally profound. Through her leadership at the highest levels of government, she has strengthened the role of allied health professions, championed rehabilitation, and ensured that compassion, equity and person-centred care remain central to our national health system
Together, they reflect the values we hold dear at Queen Margaret University - applied knowledge, social purpose and inclusive leadership - and provide our graduates with truly inspiring examples of how careers can drive positive change locally, nationally and globally.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to press office E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk)
