Abertay University Principal announces plans to step down in 2022

Abertay University Principal announces plans to step down in 2022

The Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, Professor Nigel Seaton, has announced he will stand down from the role in 2022.

Professor Seaton joined Abertay in 2012 and next year will mark a decade at the helm of the University, making him one of Scotland’s longest serving Principals.

During his tenure, Abertay has grown its reputation for teaching excellence and research quality, while building a series of important collaborations with industry and forging international partnerships.

Over that time, the University has achieved many notable successes, including:

• The Times/Sunday Times UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2021

• The first and so far only University in Scotland to achieve the Race Equality Charter Mark

• Ranked number one in Europe for computer games education by the Princeton Review for the last seven years

• In the UK top ten universities for student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey

• Creation of InGAME and the cyberQuarter, the two largest programmes with industry in the history of the University

Chair of Abertay University Court, Murray Shaw thanked Professor Seaton for his strong leadership and for his decision to time his departure so that he was able to lead the institution through the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “Professor Seaton leads the University with a highly-driven and pragmatic approach, innovating and expanding in areas where Abertay can have impact and enabling the institution’s continued success as an anchor around which Dundee’s industries evolve and thrive.

“His decision to stay to guide the University through the pandemic demonstrates the strength of his commitment to Abertay and its students and staff, as well as a determination to deliver on our core mission of providing transformational opportunities to all those who can benefit from them.

“I know everyone in the University community, and our local and international partners, will join me in wishing Professor Seaton all the very best when the time eventually comes for his departure next year.”

Professor Seaton began his academic career as a lecturer in chemical engineering and has held roles at various UK and US institutions in teaching, research and management. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and earlier this year he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in recognition of his work in the higher education sector.

Professor Seaton said: “It is a privilege to be Principal of this great University. It’s the best job I have ever had, or ever will have.

“I feel very fortunate to have worked with such outstanding colleagues and with our wonderful students over the last nine years and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

“We are doing great things for our students, for Dundee and for society more widely, but I am most proud of the way we are working together as a University – with confidence and determination, and with a strong sense of community.  This was the foundation of our success in facing the challenges of the Covid pandemic over the last year or so.

“I know I will always feel part of the Abertay community, and I look forward to hearing of the continued success of the University.”