Moray Council leader to meet university principal following ‘vanity courses’ comment
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Moray Council's leader is to meet the principal of the University of the Highlands and Islands in the wake of a controversy over comments about ending "vanity courses".
Graham Leadbitter called on Professor Todd Walker to give assurances the curriculum offered at Moray College UHI in Elgin is not under threat following his statement.
The college is one of 13 institutions that make up the university network.
Since seeking clarity, Mr Leadbitter and Prof Walker, who is also the university vice chancellor, have been in touch and plan a meeting that will also include college principal David Patterson.
Mr Leadbitter said: "There has been an exchange of correspondence with the vice chancellor which has been positive.
"We are looking to follow this up with a meeting to discuss areas of mutual interest between UHI, Moray College and Moray Council.
"There are clear benefits to building good working relationships with partners and that's what we're seeking to do."
In an interview with the Inverness Courier in September Prof Walker said: "I'd go on the record as saying the days of having a vanity course, unit or subject are over.
"We're not here to study something for which there is no direct employment, growing market or sector."
The comment was criticised by academics who felt it discredited certain sectors.
Highlands and Islands Students Association also raised concerns with university leaders.
Following the backlash, Prof Walker stated that "the tone of the article was at odds with my thoughts and hopes", but apologised for any confusion or distress caused.
He added that the university leads the field and has flagship courses in a wide variety of subjects, including arts, humanities, social science, engineering and health.
A university spokeswoman said: "Professor Walker is in contact with councillor Leadbitter and hopes to meet with him in the next few weeks."
Prof Walker is an Australian academic who was appointed by UHI in February 2021.
However, due to the pandemic he was only able to travel to this country in August.
