Abertay University has been left in chaos after the principal was suspended from his post.
Professor Bernard King, one of the longest serving vice chancellors in Britain, has been removed from day-to-day duties pending an investigation into a number of “issues” raised with the university court.
In another revelation, it emerged the university’s vice principal, Professor Nicholas Terry, was put on a similar suspension last month.
The revelations will cause major shockwaves through the Dundee institution, which has built up a stellar international reputation since Professor King was appointed vice chancellor in 1992.
A university source said staff had been left in “complete shock” when the news of his suspension was broken to them by email on Monday. It is thought to be the first time in Scottish history that a university has suspended a sitting principal.
Another source added, “It is extremely surprising because Bernard is so well known. He is widely thought of as the man who took a not particularly well thought of technical college and turned it into a very well thought of university.”
Professor Terry the second most senior management figure at the university was suspended on January 21 over a “separate” matter.
A spokesman for Abertay confirmed both suspensions but insisted steps had been taken to ensure the operations of the university continued smoothly.
“The principal and vice chancellor has been suspended from his duties by the chair of court of the university, pending investigation of a number of issues that have been brought to the chair’s attention,” he said. “The principal will be away from the university while the investigation is carried out.”
He added that Professor Steve Olivier, the pro vice-chancellor, has been appointed acting principal until the investigation into Professor King is resolved.
The spokesman said, “Other arrangements are being put in place to ensure that the operations of the university will remain as unaffected as possible.”
Turning to Professor Terry’s suspension, he added, “We can also confirm that the vice principal and deputy vice chancellor was suspended on January 21, pending investigation of a number of issues that had been brought to the attention of the university.
“These issues are separate from the issues relating to the principal’s suspension. We will not comment further on either of these matters while they are the subject of investigations.”Tight-lippedStudent representatives at the university were also tight-lipped.
Students’ association president David Currie said he could not comment due to a confidentiality agreement stemming from his role on the university court.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said, “We are aware of these issues. This is of course a matter for the university’s court.
“However, we will keep in close contact with the Scottish Funding Council and the university to ensure the situation continues to have no effect on teaching or students’ interests.”
Last year Professor King one of Scotland’s most senior academics received a salary of £222,000 along with pension contributions and other payments such as private health insurance of £33,000.
Professor Terry has been heavily involved in the project to bring a branch of the V&A museum to Dundee. Professor King has also been vocal on higher education funding in recent months and is the convener of representative body Universities Scotland.