When electing a Rector for the University of Malta, it is necessary to consider the qualities required if the university is to continue to progress and fulfil its role as the intellectual power-house of the nation. For my Warwick PhD in Higher Education Policy, I researched the successes and failures of college and university presidents in the United States and principals and vice-chancellors of UK institutions of higher education, and came to certain conclusions. 

To be successful, a rector must already possess certain skills and qualities: the qualities will be innate, but the skills will have been acquired by close observation of the leadership of others already in such a role, and from experience of management in a large organisation.

The qualities will include maturity, gravitas and the ability to forge a consensus through logic and reasoning, rather than the brute application of power or patronage. Such qualities will have already been demonstrated by acknowledged success in an academic or commercial field, by an international reputation, the enjoyment of wide support, and the desire to promote the university rather than an ego.

The agenda should be set by the best interests of the university, its students and its researchers, rather than by political or social correctness. Thus, being female should not be a barrier to advancement, but neither is it a necessary or sufficient qualification for the post.

The vote in the election may be in the hands of the University Council, but the long-term vote of confidence is in academic feet. The better Maltese academics are highly respected abroad the more they will be welcomed with open arms by foreign universities. This will be to the long-term detriment of Malta, as was demonstrated at a time of previous political interference in the life of the university.

 

Martin G. Spillane

Sliema