Name / Job Title
Professor Stephen Senn, Senior Lecturer in Statistics,
How long did you work at the institution?
Nine years from 1978 to 1987, when it was Dundee College of Technology (DCT).
What attracted you to working here?
Thought I would try my hand at lecturing and found the idea of a move to Scotland attractive
In your opinion how has the University changed over the years?
DCT was a central institution and not a university during my time there. Courses changed to being mainly degree from being HNC and HND also. There was a wider range of subjects on offer then than now, I think.
What would you say was biggest improvement/change? What one thing do you miss the most?
Missed the lunchtime table-tennis matches as soon as I left (this is what the Maths department did; the biologists played darts).
What are your memories of the campaign for university title and, eventually, confirmation of University status in 1994?
I had already left but was visiting around the time that it was announced. I was inspired by the occasion to submit a “poem” in the style of McGonagall to the Courier and, much to my surprise, it was accepted. [The poem can be read below]
Courtesy of DC Thomson Archives
Who has been your favourite or most memorable colleague?
A senior colleague, Gilbert Rutherford became a good friend and taught me a lot about statistics. I owe him a great deal. Sadly, he died two years ago.
What is it about the institution that made you stay?
I liked the city and living in Fife. I enjoyed teaching the students and felt I was learning a lot. During my ninth year, however, I decided I had become jaded and needed to move on.
Posted on 23rd Jul 2019
Last modified by API