Saints Spotlight: Professor Mark Brewer
Professor Mark Brewer, Dean of the University of St Andrews Business School
How did your St Andrews story start?
I arrived in St Andrews in 1995 to pursue an MPhil in International Relations, and what began as a focused research endeavour turned into a profoundly fulfilling academic journey. Thanks to the exceptional mentorship of Professor Alison Watson OBE, I discovered a passion for exploring global issues, which led me to stay on to complete my PhD in 1998. It’s a privilege to now contribute to the University’s legacy, helping to shape our new Business School as a hub for leadership in an uncertain world.
What are your current priorities as the Dean of the University of St Andrews Business School?
Our mission at the University of St Andrews Business School is to develop globally-minded leaders with the ambition, knowledge, and skills to create a more prosperous and sustainable world. I focus on embedding this mission into everything we do – guiding our programmes, partnerships, and student experience to reflect our core values as an ambitious, collegiate, engaged, outward-looking, impactful, innovative, and socially responsible business school. Raising our profile on a global scale is critical, as well as ensuring that St Andrews is recognised as a world leader in business education and a driver of positive change across sectors.
What is your vision for the University of St Andrews, and how do you plan to achieve it?
In the coming decade, we will firmly establish St Andrews as a global leader in interdisciplinary business education and research while creating an ecosystem for addressing complex global challenges through initiatives like ‘New College’, which will bring together the Business School and the School of International Relations. I’m also committed to building partnerships across the public, private, and third sectors to expand our reach and impact. By launching innovative programmes – such as in Executive Education and through blended and digital learning – we’re opening doors for St Andrews to engage with a worldwide audience, showcasing the unique strengths of our community and our commitment to a sustainable future.
In your opinion, what makes the University of St Andrews unique?
The University of St Andrews stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence, embodied in our motto, Ever to Excel. This ethos defines every aspect of life here – from our world-leading research to our transformative student experience. Our unique setting, steeped in history and natural beauty, creates an environment that inspires rigorous inquiry and innovation. At the heart of our success are our extraordinary students and staff, who each strive for excellence in all they do. In the Business School, this translates into developing leaders who combine knowledge with a strong ethical compass, prepared to make a meaningful, positive impact on the world.
Where is your favourite spot in St Andrews?
It’s nearly impossible to choose a single spot. If pressed, I would say halfway down the West Sands as the dawn sun gilds the vast North Sea sky, looking back towards this ancient town of unparalleled history and beauty, filled with its exceptional minds and its enduring spirit.