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Douglas Mundie
Abertay’s strength lies in what its people make possible: education that opens doors, research that solves problems, and ideas that help businesses and communities to flourish. Having visited the University and learned more about its work, I would welcome the responsibility of helping Court safeguard those strengths and develop them for the future.
My commitment to Scottish education is personal. In 2000, I chose to leave an established international manufacturing career and remain in Scotland, where my family was growing up. As founding Chief Executive of Technology Ventures Scotland, I worked to bring universities and businesses closer together. Earlier in my career, I had learned that innovation needs more than a promising idea: it takes practical judgement, perseverance and the ability to bring people with different interests together.
At St Andrews, I helped develop commercial activities based on their marine science expertise, seeking to ensure that income generated from research could be reinvested in academic work. I set up and chaired that marine biotechnology business, worked with overseas university partners and spent five years developing student recruitment relationships in South America. What I have learned is that good results depend on people trusting one another and making the most of their different skills.
I also bring direct experience of university governance. I served for ten years on the Court of the University of St Andrews, including chairing its Audit Committee. I subsequently served seven years on the Scottish Funding Council, latterly as Deputy Chair, with responsibilities encompassing finance, remuneration and capital investment. I understand the pressures on Scottish higher education and the need for careful, independent stewardship of public resources.
Abertay’s applied research and connections with employers are amongst its distinctive strengths Abertay will face difficult choices, but it must not lose its appetite for new ideas. Court must scrutinise those choices rigorously and consider their consequences for the quality of education, research and the University’s long-term sustainability. Its task is to provide effective oversight, not to manage the University day to day.
Abertay’s roots in Dundee matter deeply. Its commitment to widening access has opened the doors of higher education to students who might otherwise never have considered university possible. For all students, it should offer opportunity, challenge and preparation for life beyond graduation. For staff, it should be a place where expertise is respected, good ideas are encouraged and concerns are heard. Court needs to understand what students and staff are experiencing before making decisions that affect them.
I do not pretend to have every answer. Much of my working life has been spent alongside people whose specialist knowledge exceeds my own, helping them to achieve more together. As Chair, I would seek to lead an effective Court by asking searching questions, listening carefully, encouraging constructive challenge and supporting the Principal while holding the executive to account. That is the approach I would bring to Abertay University.
I hope that I can count on your support.
