UCC governors vote to retain Wrixon

UNIVERSITY College Cork’s governing body has approved changes to internal statutes to allow Professor Gerry Wrixon continue his presidency for another four years after he reaches normal retirement age in May.

The decision was taken despite two-thirds support from the academic council less than a fortnight ago for a motion urging the governing body not to take the step.

The normal term of office for the UCC presidency is 10 years but Prof Wrixon was 58 when he assumed the role in 1999 and would otherwise have to retire on his 65th birthday in two months’ time.

While yesterday’s move clears the biggest obstacle faced by the president in continuing the job, it must still be formally approved by the Higher Education Authority when it meets in late April.

The amendment also requires the clearance of Finance Minister Brian Cowen but it is believed he has already given approval in principle.

While Prof Wrixon remains reluctant to comment on the issue, at least until the matter is finalised, his supporters were pleased with yesterday’s 25-9 governing body vote.

“It is a very positive outcome from a very long process,” one senior UCC source said last night.

However, a vocal group of academics remains opposed to the president. Among their main concerns are UCC’s focus on research funding as against academic investment, a debate currently dividing third-level campuses around the world.

Prof Wrixon also made headlines last month when a Cork-based company, Farran Technologies, which he helped set up was sold, earning him an estimated €8.4 million.