If you listened to some of the negative media coverage, you could be forgiven for believing that the university sector in Scotland and the wider UK is on its knees.

Much attention has focused on the financial difficulties faced by Scotland’s modern universities (post-1992 institutions). However, in a sector as diverse as higher education, it’s important to avoid over-simplifications. While financial challenges are part of the landscape, it is only a part of the picture; many positive developments highlight our sector’s ongoing resilience and strength.

For instance, Glasgow Caledonian University recruited more Scottish undergraduate students than any other university in Scotland last year, and we expect that we have done so again this year. At the same time, we recruited the highest number of students from Scotland’s 20% most disadvantaged areas and offer more Graduate Apprenticeships than any other Scottish university. Glasgow Caledonian was allocated additional student places by the Scottish Funding Council for this academic year, and has recently been named UK Modern University of the Year in a major university guide, ranking first among the other 71 modern universities. These outcomes could not be delivered without our fantastic staff who consistently put our students first.

Glasgow Caledonian and the wider sector are not without challenges, however. Policy changes and messaging, particularly from the previous UK government, have contributed to a challenging environment for international student recruitment. The sector is grappling with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on education. We continually seek to improve a great learning experience, promote student wellbeing, and support students with cost of living issues. It is important to recognise the complexity of these challenges and the nuanced ways in which they can affect institutions differently.

There has been a pressing need to engage in a conversation about the sustainable funding of higher education in Scotland and more widely, and The Herald's series this week has been welcome.  But it is also crucial that those institutions meeting the needs of society, and the communities they serve, are in a position to continue to meet that demand through well-placed public investment. For instance, Glasgow Caledonian had to close its Clearing operation after just 36 hours this year due to the cap on funded places in spite of the high demand for its programmes. No one should overlook the significant social and economic contributions universities make. The total economic impact of the UK higher education sector is £265 billion. For every £1 of public funding invested, £14 is returned to the economy . Scottish modern universities bring distinctive attributes to a powerful and diverse sector.

Many Scottish institutions, including Glasgow Caledonian, stand ready, willing and able to grow so we can expand our support to our communities, provide high quality graduates to employers to spur economic growth, and transform the lives and future prospects of the students who study with us. In valuing this distinctiveness, our sector - which has already lasted hundreds of years - will endure for hundreds more.

Professor Steve Decent is Principal and Vice-Chancellor Glasgow Caledonian University

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk