The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Professor appointed as principal at university
Predecessor suspended almost a year ago amid row over rent
A new principal has been appointed to Dundee University, almost a year after his predecessor was suspended.
Professor Iain Gillespie will take up the role as principal and vice-chancellor in January, relocating from his vicechancellor role at Leicester University.
In September, Professor Andrew Atherton was suspended in a row over rent due on University House, where he had been living.
Prof Atherton was also accused of bullying and his resignation in November sparked fury after it was revealed he received six months’ pay in lieu of notice.
Added to his £250,000 a year salary, £44,000 in pensions contributions and a £16,000 “disruption allowance” when he took on the role in January 2019, Prof Atherton was paid around £10,000 per week for his time at the university.
Prof Gillespie, who has been in his Leicester post since January 2016, will officially replace Prof Atherton on January 1.
A Dundee University spokesman said Prof Gillespie will have the same £250,000 salary and any relocation costs will be agreed using the university’s standard procedures.
University House, currently occupied by interim principal Professor David Macguire, will be made available at the market rental rate.
Ronnie Bowie, chair of court, said: “We are delighted to appoint Iain as our new principal and vice-chancellor.
“There are many challenges for the higher education sector and addressing those will require strong leadership and vision for how universities like Dundee can continue to offer an excellent student experience with gold-standard teaching and deliver research that has an impact across society.”
Prof Macguire will continue in the interim role until the end of the year.
Prof Gillespie said: “Dundee is an incredible university at the heart of an incredible city.
“Its students and staff lead the world in so much and show us what a truly great university, firmly anchored in its community, can achieve.
“For me, having the opportunity to lead the Dundee community, in collaboration with the city and our partners in business and beyond, to deliver on the exceptional values, spirit and determination of our students and staff is the most exciting and humbling prospect I can imagine.”
Before taking his current role at Leicester, Prof Gillespie was director of science and innovation at the Natural Environment Research Council, the UK’s leading funder for environmental science.