When is a sacking not a sacking? On the other hand, if one is departing, does it really matter to the rest of the populace if one is forced out the door, or one gracefully grasps the door handle on one’s own?
The answer is yes, it apparently does matter to sections of Darwin’s media, who trumpeted the departure of Scott Bowman from the VC’s chair at Charles Darwin University on Monday as their victory in the TAFEGATE scandal; an accreditation mess which saw almost 300 tradies granted qualifications they hadn’t fully earned.
Many were surprised at Professor Bowman’s departure, given his considerable achievements in rejuvenating CDU’s reputation and operations over almost five years and notching up a medical school in an unexpected but hard fought for coup for the NT uni.
“Professor Bowman and the University Executive Council have agreed that it is in CDU's best interests for Professor Bowman to step aside at this time,” the University stated.
In the statement, Chancellor Trevor Riley acknowledged those impacted by TAFE’s issues and extended his apologies before briefly reflecting on Professor Bowman’s impact.
Professor Bowman will take leave and Provost Professor Fiona Coulson will serve as acting Vice-Chancellor, before moving to become interim VC in six months – indicating CDU are not too hasty with the recruitment process for a full-time successor in the Big Chair.