Further to Richard M. S. Wilson’s letter (9 January) on the confusing plethora of titles adopted by UK universities to identify academic staff, it is worth remembering that the former colleges of advanced technology, which became universities in the mid-1960s, all conformed with the established ranks/titles of the pre-existing universities.
When Ray Cowell was in charge at Nottingham Trent University, he styled himself not only professor but also principal, vice-chancellor and chief executive – all at the same time. I wonder if this remains a UK and all-comers record?
Charles Oppenheim
Professor, Aberdeen Business School
Robert Gordon University
