Uni’s reputation hit by a matter of principal

Sir, – The fact that Dundee University has to find a new principal, following the appointment and resignation of the previous one within 11 months, deserves some comment.

We are informed that Professor Atherton’s appointment followed a “rigorous” examination of his suitability for the post and that his resignation factored in that, apparently, he wasn’t the right person for the job, or for the “aspirations” of the university.

So what exactly went wrong? For a university that prides itself on openness, there has been a deafening silence on detail.

Presumably the salary and any add-ons offered and accepted were formally agreed and signed up to, by both the University Court and Professor Atherton.

The fact that salaries paid to university principals, in general, are ridiculously high is a separate issue that needs attention, but it is not unique to Dundee University.

Over 50-odd years, the university, often through trying times, has become a hugely successful, globally recognised centre of international excellence, notably in the life sciences but also in many other areas. The city of Dundee is rightly proud of this.

But, within a few months, its hard-won reputation has been tarnished.

Surely, suspending the principal for alleged non-payment of rent, for example, is at variance with a common sense approach to the handling of this matter, irrespective of other issues. The whole saga is deeply worrying.

Let’s hope it does not deter outstanding potential applicants from applying for the principal post. At the highest levels of the University Court, some introspection and outcomes would not go amiss.

William Stewart. 1 Clarendon Drive, Dundee.