Key facts
- Outstanding contributions to women's sport
- Advocacy for representation & visibility
- Community impact through sport
Their story
Celebrating Dr Erin Cuthbert
Our Honorary Doctorate Spotlight from the University of the West of Scotland is Erin Cuthbert, @Scotland and Chelsea Football Club women's footballer.
Erin's story is one of excellence on the pitch, advocacy for women's sport, and a powerful commitment to inspiring the next generation.
A Remarkable Football Journey Born in Irvine, Ayrshire, Erin began her professional career with a five-year spell at Rangers Football Club, followed by two years at Glasgow City before joining Chelsea in 2016, where she competes in the Barclays Women's Super League.
Her rise at international level has been equally impressive. Making her Scotland debut against Belarus in June 2016 at just 17 years old, Erin has since earned 58 caps for Scotland and was named Scottish Women's Football International Player of the Year in 2018, 2019, and 2022 - a testament to her consistency and impact at the highest level.
Impact Beyond the Pitch What sets Erin apart is her commitment to using her platform for change. She is an active advocate for visibility and representation in women's football, recognising the critical importance of role models for young girls. Through her work with the Chelsea Foundation and various other charities, Erin extends her influence far beyond the stadium.
As Stephanie Pitticas, Vice-Principal (Internationalisation) at UWS, noted in her encomium: "Erin is an emblem of perseverance and a living testament to the power of dreaming big. She has become a powerful advocate for change, not just on the pitch, but with the work that she does with the Chelsea Foundation and various other charities."
Full Circle Moment Erin is a former UWS student, making her Honorary Doctorate particularly meaningful. Speaking about the recognition, she said: "It's a great honour for me to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate at such a prestigious Institution like the University of the West of Scotland – back to where it all started for me. I look forward to enhancing my learning, continuing my work in driving women's sport forward in Scotland, and partaking in several off-field initiatives that are close to my heart."
Why This Matters: Erin Cuthbert exemplifies the kind of leader the Society of Honorary Doctors celebrates, an individual who has achieved at the highest levels of their field while remaining committed to lifting others up and driving meaningful change in their community. Amazing!