THE principal of Dundee University has resigned “with immediate effect” as the institution faces a funding deficit of some £30 million – even after cost-cutting measures.
Professor Iain Gillespie also stepped down as vice-chancellor of the university on Friday after nearly four years in the two roles.
It comes less than one month after Gillespie sent an email to staff warning them to prepare for a “significant deficit” in this financial year.
The then-principal said a “significant drop” in recruitment of international students was partly to blame for the deficit, along with other factors.
Cost-cutting measures being tried included a recruitment freeze and reducing operational expenditure, Gillespie said.
The University of Dundee employs more than 3000 people.
The email read: “However, even with these measures we could still be looking at a deficit for this financial year in the range of £25m to £30m.
“We must take further action now to address our financial stability and long-term future. Given the profile of our costs, it is inevitable this will mean a reduction in our staffing levels.
“This will be a very difficult period, certainly for this financial year and next.”
He said at the time that he would keep staff updated during what he termed as an “unprecedented set of challenges” for the university.
However, on Friday it was announced that he had resigned with immediate effect.
A press release from the university stated: “Professor Gillespie served for almost four years as principal and vice-chancellor. During that time the university has been named Scotland’s university of the year by The Herald and the Daily Mail.
“Professor Shane O’Neill, as deputy vice-chancellor and provost, will take on the leadership of the University Executive Group.”
