Kathleen MacIver (1921-2011) was the first woman to chair a department at the University of St Andrews. Her installation as head of Geography was later followed by her appointment as the first woman Dean of Arts in the University. Despite facing overwhelming opposition and doubt of her abilities, she was highly successful in her role and went on to have other prominent positions within the University. MacIver inspired a generation of women to pursue careers in academia; she was proudly focused on academic accessibility throughout her career. As master, she brought a diversity of perspective to senior decision-making that helped make St Andrews a more inclusive place for students and staff alike.