A graduation to remember for QMU’s new Student President
Having graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons) psychology degree, Joe Agnew is preparing to take on a new challenge after being elected Student President for the QMU Students’ Union.
Throughout his four years at QMU, Joe played an active role in student life. Alongside his studies, he served as Sports Officer with the Students’ Union during his final year, was President of the QMU Run Club and was also a Class Representative for his Psychology cohort.
Psychology has long been an interest for Joe, inspired by his own experience of struggling with his mental health. Reading the work of clinical psychologists helped him better understand what he was going through and sparked his interest in the field.
I believed that if I could gain an understanding of the subject, I might be able to help myself out of the hole I was in. This in turn lead me to think that, if I could pursue it as a degree, I might be able to help others down the line and try and ensure nobody would have to feel the same way that I had. I had been in contact with a psychology lecturer from QMU a few years before deciding to commit to the degree journey, but it was her willingness to respond to a stranger with kindness and empathy that made me think QMU might be the best place for me. And as it happens, I think I chose pretty well in the end!
Joining fellow QMU graduate Zoë MacCallum in the Student President role, Joe will represent students on matters relating to sports and societies, while Zoë leads on academic representation and relations.
A committed cyclist, Joe has competed nationally and internationally. Support from QMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s and Student Development Fund enabled him to represent the University at cycling races across the UK and overseas.
Joe said:
QMU has given me opportunities that have shaped my time as a student, both inside and outside the classroom. The support I received through the Vice-Chancellor’s and Student Development Fund allowed me to compete in cycling at a higher level, while my work with the Students’ Union helped me understand how important it is for students to feel heard and involved.
After a week of campaigning and some very strong competition, being elected Student President was the best moment of my entire life. I care deeply about QMU and its students, and I am looking forward to working with them to make sure they have the best possible experience and understand the support available through their Students’ Union. I am so incredibly fortunate to call QMU my home.
Joe’s experience in competitive sport will inform his work, and he hopes to use the role to help students make the most of university life, build connections and access opportunities beyond their studies.
Joe celebrated his graduation with his family at a ceremony held at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Monday 6 July, followed by a reception on QMU’s campus. The following day, he returned to the Usher Hall to take part in the graduation processions in his new role as Student President.
Read more about Joe's cycling races.
For further media information contact Emma Reekie, Media and Content Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: ereekie@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
