15 June 2004

New Chairman for University Court

The governing body of the University of Dundee, the University Court has elected a new Chairman. John Milligan, a local estate owner will succeed Larry Rolland who held the post since 1998.

The University Court has particular responsibility for the employment of staff and the management and administration of property and finance.

Mr Milligan began his wide-ranging career as a miner at the age of sixteen. He subsequently went on to study as a mature student at Strathclyde University qualifying as a mechanical engineer. Rising to become Chairman and Chief Executive of 'Atlantic Power and Gas' John now runs the Ballathie estate near Perth.

He is also a long-standing member of Robert Gordon University's Board of Governors where he spent three years as Chairperson. Mr Milligan's experience in the higher education sector will readily complement the work of the University of Dundee Court.

As Chairman of the Scottish Welfare to Work Advisory Taskforce, he has a strong interest in the Government's 'welfare to work' campaign and in developing links between industry and schools.

Larry Rolland, outgoing Chairman served two consecutive terms of office and led the University Court through the University's major expansion over recent years. He is one of Scotland's leading architects and has a long association with the University having studied architecture at Duncan of Jordanstone College, now a faculty of the University of Dundee. Larry Rolland will continue his membership of the Court as Chancellor's assessor.

Principal Sir Alan Langlands said "The University welcomes John Milligan in his new position as Chairman of the Court. John has already displayed dedication to the University in his position as a lay member and undoubtedly he will carry this through in his term as Chairman."

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk