Joan Stringer took up her post in January 2003 having previously served as Principal and Vice Patron of Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh.

She began her career in education in 1980 and was later appointed Head of the School of Public Administration and Law at Robert Gordon University, where she was promoted to Assistant Principal.

Professor Stringer has contributed to a number of policy initiatives through external organisations, committees and working groups, which included membership of the Scottish Committee of Dearing.

Professor Stringer was recognised as the Public Sector Leader of the Year (2011) at the Scottish Leadership Awards. In 2001 she was awarded a CBE for Services to Higher Education.