Students received an email this afternoon from Hamish Grossart, Chair of the University Court, announcing that Gerry McCormac, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling, has indicated a wish to retire.
Speaking of McCormac, Grossart said: “His vision, integrity and sound judgement have guided the University through periods of opportunity and challenge, leaving Stirling stronger, more confident, and internationally recognised.”
His retirement announcement comes as Stirling’s branch of the University and College Union (UCU) is currently in the voting period regarding industrial action during the upcoming semester.
The dispute that may lead to strike action concerns the voluntary severance scheme from December, in which 175 staff members were let go. The UCU claims that the university did not consult campus unions prior to this, and since then, McCormac has indicated that “more savings have to be made”. They claim that management has refused to rule out compulsory redundancies.
In his time as Vice Chancellor and Principal, McCormac has been dubbed “Greedy Gerry” in the past by local media, for currently being the highest-paid university principal in Scotland, with The Courier reporting that McCormac had a monthly take-home pay of £18,000 per month.
Having been the university’s Chancellor since 2010, Grossart claims that McCormac has “led a period of significant institutional growth”, as the student population has increased by 25% in during McCormac’s time as Principal.
McCormac has been in the position for 16 years, making him the longest-serving Principal at the university.
Grossart spoke further on internationalisation at the university, new student residencies built during McCormac’s time as Principal, and an increase of university turnover by £80 million.
McCormac will remain in his post until a new Principal is selected, and this process will begin shortly.
Featured Image Credit: The University of Stirling
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