A GREEN MSP has been elected the next rector of the University of Dundee.
Maggie Chapman emerged victorious at a vote count today, beating out Mubarak Babalola and Sheli McCoy in a comeptitive elction.
Maggie, who represents Dundee as part of the North East region, won on first preference votes among students and will formally take up the position from 1 August, succeeding Keith Harris.
The rector is a senior officer of the university elected by students to represent their interests in partnership with the students’ association (DUSA) and is a member of the university’s governing body – the University Court.
Maggie’s election comes following a somewhat tumultuous period after the university’s principal resigned in November upon revealing a £30m deficit.
University management plans to plug this financial hole with cuts to student services and compulsory redundancies.
Speaking today, Maggie said: “It is a huge honour to be elected to this role, and I thank each and every person who voted for me, and all those who campaigned for me over this last week.
“I am very grateful to all involved in ensuring the election ran smoothly, including the returning officers and other University staff.
“I thank my fellow candidates for their spirited campaign and for ensuring this contested election not only saw good engagement but also got more students talking about the future of the university.
“I am also grateful to the students and staff who asked me to run, and the students who nominated me.
“Now is the time for a change in the way the university approaches both its governance and management.
“Scottish universities have been strengthened by democracy throughout their existence.
“The right of the students to elect their rector points to one of the reasons why Scottish higher education is among the best in the world.
“We need to get back to the principles of democracy and the democratic intellect.
“We must shine a light on university governance and decision-making, ask challenging and maybe sometimes uncomfortable questions, and ensure we bring the voices of students and the staff who support their education, into every conversation we have.
“The University of Dundee can and must have a bright, inclusive and democratic future, and I relish the opportunity to play my part in creating that.
“Our students deserve nothing less.”
Dr Neale Laker, acting secretary of the university, said: “I offer congratulations to Maggie on behalf of the university.
“Our thanks also go to the other candidates, and all those who have contributed to a well-run election which our students have engaged with at a very high level.”