Dundee University is appointing former Abertay boss Nigel Seaton to take over as interim principal after a mass resignation rocked the institution.
Professor Seaton will take following on a short term basis following the abrupt exit of Shane O’Neill, who quit on Thursday after he was criticised in the independent Gillies Review.
Mr Seaton was previously the principal of Abertay University, serving in the role for a decade between 2012 and 2022.
After working briefly in the oil industry, in 1989 he moved to the University of Cambridge where he was a lecturer in chemical engineering.
Mr Seaton said he was “honoured” to take on the role.
He added: “The university faces considerable challenges in its recovery from a difficult financial position, and from what I know has been a very difficult period for staff.
“I am ready to work with my colleagues and with the University Court to set the University on its way to a sustainable and successful future.
“In all this, we should not lose sight of the things that make this university such a great place. Prime among those is graduation, and I look forward to playing a part in the ceremonies next week to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful graduates.”
He will have to provide much needed stability at the top of the institution after an exodus of senior executives.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth welcomed Mr Seaton’s appointed.
She said: “Whilst the university is an autonomous institution which is ultimately responsible for decision-making around its day to day operations, the Scottish Government will do everything possible to secure a positive future for Dundee.
“I will be updating parliament with a detailed statement next week.”
Dr Ian Mair, deputy chair of the university court, said: “I am grateful that Nigel has agreed to take on the duties of interim principal and vice-chancellor to lend us stability at this challenging time.”
He will also have to work with the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council almost immediately on the previously submitted proposal for a £100 million bailout package.
In total, 11 figures from the university’s management team have quit since the financial crisis was revealed in November 2024.
During Mr Seaton’s time at Abertay the university was named the Times/Sunday Times UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality in 2021.
It was also ranked best in Europe for computer games education by the Princeton Review for seven of his 10 years at the top.
Conversation