evolved from the Christian Foundation of the former colleges of St. Mary and St. Paul, merged as the College of St Paul and St Mary which united with the higher education courses of the Gloucestershire College of Arts & Technology subsequently to create the university. Until September 2011, Foundation Fellows played a significant role in the governance of the university. Following a review of governance by the university in 2010/11, it was agreed that council should be responsible for appointing all its external members. Foundation Fellows are still eligible to apply to council to become external members.
=== 2001-present day ===
In February 2012 Rennie Fritchie was announced as the new chancellor succeeding Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. In late 2023, she was then succeeded by Michael Bichard, Baron Bichard, who currently holds the position. The Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek serves as pro-chancellor. As of August 2023, Clare Kelly Marchant (born 1972 or 1973) holds the post of vice-chancellor. Marchant was awarded a damehood for services to higher education in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours.
==== 2009–2011 ====
In 2009–2010 several formerly senior figures in the university resigned. In November 2009, Paul Bowler, the deputy vice-chancellor, resigned shortly after being suspended from his post only seven months after joining the institution. Paul Bowler, a former investment banker who joined Gloucestershire in May 2009, was on a week's leave when he was told not to return to work. On 7 December, a university spokesperson said, "The deputy vice-chancellor Paul Bowler, has resigned. Financial benefits have not been sought by Mr Bowler, who is leaving of his own accord to pursue other interests".
In December 2009 Dr. Sharp, dean and associate pro vice-chancellor, following his resignation, took up a post in the new UK Higher Education International Unit.
The vice-chancellor, Patricia Broadfoot, resigned in March 2010, during conflicting views on the financial health of the institution. …
