Professor Nicholas Terry reinstated and made acting principal of Abertay University
Former vice-principal of Abertay University Professor Nicholas Terry — who was suspended by the institution in January — has been reinstated.
Professor Nicholas Terry.
- By Alan Wilson
- Published in the Courier : 11.03.11
- Published online : 11.03.11 @ 10.15am
Professor Terry was suspended on January 21, 10 days before the university provided an even bigger shock when it moved to suspend its principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bernard King, from his £222,000-a-year post.
It emerged on Thursday that Professor Terry has now returned after being appointed acting principal and acting vice-chancellor, replacing Professor Steve Olivier who had filled the interim role following Professor King's removal.
The university also confirmed that Professor King remains suspended pending further inquiries into what the institution describes as "a separate investigation," while Professor Olivier will take on the role of acting vice-principal.
A university spokesman said, "Following an investigation of issues raised with it, the Court of the University of Abertay Dundee rescinded the suspension of Professor Nicholas Terry and reinstated him at the end of last week. He has now taken over as acting principal and acting vice-chancellor.
"Professor Steve Olivier, who had been acting principal, has been made acting vice-principal. A separate investigation into other issues is ongoing and as a result the principal and vice-chancellor Professor Bernard King remains suspended.
"We will not comment further while that investigation continues."
The suspensions caused major shockwaves through the Dundee institution, which has built up a strong international reputation since Professor King was appointed vice-chancellor in 1992.
Staff had been left in "complete shock" when the news of his suspension was broken to them by email. It is thought to be the first time in Scottish history that a university has suspended a sitting principal.
Rumours have since circulated that Professor King (64) was at the centre of a dispute over when he should retire. There have also been claims that the university
court had concerns over the direction he wanted to take the university, including its focus on the computer games industry.
Professor King is apparently taking the case to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal, claiming that he has been discriminated against on age grounds because his contract has not been extended.
10.12am - 06.07.2011 Anne Shepherd - Marsaskala, Malta Report This
Professor Terry will be, and always has been, a credit to the Univeristy of Abertay. As an ex employee of the University it was my pleasure to work closely with him and I found him a man of great integrity and a strong belief in the staff of Abertay.
Add a comment