Dundee University’s chief operating officer Jim McGeorge has left the institution by “mutual agreement”, interim principal Professor Shane O’Neill announced.
Dr McGeorge had been on extended leave since January but has now formally left the university.
He was responsible for the running of the institution and ensuring good governance.
Both have come under the spotlight as the scale of the financial crisis has emerged. Professor O’Neill previously conceded financial reporting and controls at the most senior levels of the university were not what they should have been.
The reason for Dr McGeorge’s leave has never been revealed by university management. It is the latest in a long line of senior staff exits
Principal’s praise for ‘passionate advocate’
In an email confirming the departure, Professor Shane O’Neill said Dr McGeorge had left by “mutual agreement” as of May 19.
Prof O’Neill described Dr McGeorge – who has worked at Dundee University for over 16 years – as a “passionate advocate” for the institution.
He added: “Jim has been a strong champion of the role professional services plays in the life and work of the university and in enhancing the student and staff experience.
“He has always been an enthusiastic contributor to the wider social, recreational and cultural life of the university community.”
A university insider told The Courier there would need to be more transparency about Dr McGeorge’s exit.
“The principal is effusive in his praise but after such a long period of absence many are still left wondering what has gone on here,” the insider said.
“If the university is serious about regaining the trust of staff then there will need to be much more transparency.
“Hopefully Pamela Gillies can get to the bottom of what has gone wrong. I also think [Dr Jim McGeorge] should say whether he will still co-operate with parliament’s investigation.”
Education committee
Dr McGeorge has been confirmed to appear before Holyrood’s education committee on June 25 alongside former court chair Amanda Millar and ex-finance chief Peter Fotheringham.
Former principal Iain Gillespie is slated to speak to the committee the following day.
Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said: “The university leadership must now be fully focused on a new recovery plan and how that will be funded.
“They need people in place to deliver that plan. The significant failings of the previous senior management must be fully investigated and it is important that Jim McGeorge is available to participate fully in that process.”
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