A GREEN MSP has been elected as the new rector of Dundee University as it faces serious questions about its future.
Maggie Chapman said it is "time for a change" in the way the university approaches its governance and management.
Professor Iain Gillespie resigned as the university's principal at the end of last year after revealing a £30 million deficit. The university had also defended a £7000 business trip he took to Hong Kong with a colleague.
The university's interim principal Professor Shane O'Neill told the Scottish Parliament's education committee this week that insolvency was a "real possibility", with more than 600 jobs set to be cut to save money.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has since approved a £22 million support package for the institution as it looks to plug the black hole.
Chapman, who represents Dundee as part of the North East region, said she would not be afraid to ask uncomfortable questions in her new role in order to help preserve the university's future.
She said: “I am very grateful to all involved in ensuring the election ran smoothly. I thank my fellow candidates for their spirited campaign. I am also grateful to the students and staff who asked me to run, and the students who nominated me.
“It is a huge honour to be elected to this role, and I thank each and every student who voted for me, and all those who campaigned for me over this last week.
“The situation at Dundee University has become a national scandal. Now is the time for a change in the way the university approaches both its governance and management.
“We need to shine a light on decision-making. I will not be afraid to ask challenging and maybe sometimes uncomfortable questions, and will work with students and staff to ensure that we bring everyone into the room to discuss the university's future.”
Acting chair of court Tricia Bey said without financial support from the SFC the university would run out of money by the end of June.
O'Neill told the Scottish Parliament's education committee on Wednesday he was given the "false assumption" last year that the university was close to breaking even despite having a £12.3m operating deficit at the time.
