RGU Students’ Union (RGU:Union) is an independent member-led organisation which exists to represent and support students at Robert Gordon University.
As a registered charity in Scotland, RGU:Union is governed by a Trustee Board which is comprised of elected Student Presidents, student representatives (elected and appointed), a university representative, plus a number of external trustees who can draw on diverse skills and industry experience to advise and support Union affairs and development.
Trustee Board members meet throughout the year and collectively contribute to the overall direction of RGU:Union, ensuring appropriate support is available with regards to the charity's long-term strategy, key performance areas, budgeting, and future development.
Our Trustee Board is made up of 13 individuals:
- 8 students (including 3 Sabbaticals)
- 1 university-nominated member of staff
- 4 external members
The role of a trustee is to ensure that all decisions made by the Union are in the best interests of RGU students and to make sure that we are serving our members (you, the students!) to the best of our ability.
We have a great mix of people on the Trustee Board from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines, all with differing areas of expertise.
If you would like to find out about the role of Student Trustees, or would like to find out how you can become a member of the Trustee Board, then please get in touch.
David Strachan
External Trustee (Chair)
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Founding managing director of Tern Television, David has extensive experience in the media industry and is an honorary professor in the film and media studies department of the University of Stirling. He is currently on the Board of Creative Scotland where he chairs Screen Scotland. In his time he was a Student President at Aberdeen University, and more recently a Governor of RGU, and thus brings valuable experience to the Trustee Board.
Emmanuel Akerele
Sabbatical Trustee (Vice Chair)
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Emmanuel Akerele is currently RGU:Union President (Education and Welfare) and he is a Robert Gordon University graduate in the field of business with an MSc in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.
Ross Leven
Sabbatical Trustee
Ross Leven is currently RGU:Union President (Communication and Democracy) and he is a Robert Gordon University graduate in the field of business with a BA (Hons) in International Business Management.
Jordan Moore
Sabbatical Trustee
Jordan Moore is currently RGU:Union President (Sport and Physical Activity) and she is a Robert Gordon University graduate in the field of nutrition and health studies with a BSC (Hons) in Nutrition.
Cian Gullen
Student Trustee
Cian Gullen is currently RGU:Union Vice President (Sport) and she is a Robert Gordon University undergraduate in the Law School.
Laura Watchman
Student Trustee
Chioma Onoshakpor
Student Trustee
Chioma Onoshakpor is a PhD researcher at the Robert Gordon University. She comes with 7 years experience as a serial entrepreneur and gender advocate.
Sophie Forster
Student Trustee
Tomi Ibukun
Student Trustee
Tomi Ibukun is currently a masters' student studying MSc Business Leadership and Management. Previously a Student President and Governor at his previous institution, Tomi looks forward to bringing this breadth of experience as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Jo Royle
University Trustee
Ian Campbell
External Trustee
Director and Chartered Financial Planner at AAB Wealth with over 13 years experience in financial services. Ian Campbell's main role is helping clients to live the life they want to lead with confidence in their financial future. Ian graduated from the Aberdeen Business School at RGU in 2003 and was involved with the RGU Football Club for almost 20 years as a player, coach and manager.
Caroline Daniel
External Trustee
Experience from within the Higher Education, charity and voluntary sectors having spent 15 years as a Lecturer and Programme Leader with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), prior to which Caroline Daniel worked with Marie Curie Cancer Care as a Community Fundraising Coordinator. As a former student, Caroline is keen to use her skills and experience to contribute to the Trustee Board to the best of her ability.
Nazan Ünlütürk
External Trustee
Marketing Consultant & Director at Aberdeen Digital Marketing Ltd with over 12 years’ experience in marketing across a wide range of industries and sectors. Having studied at Edinburgh Napier University, Nazan Ünlütürk stood as a class representative for the Business School, ran for Sabbatical Office, and after which she worked in the commercial team at Edinburgh University Students' Association. Director of her own Digital Marketing Agency, Nazan brings a wide range of related experience and passion with her to the Trustee Board.