Ferdinand von Prondzynski

Ferdinand von Prondzynski (born 30 June 1954) is a former university leader in Ireland and Scotland, a lawyer and legal academic, a high-profile public commentator and a candidate Anglican cleric. Formerly the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, he also previously served as the second President of Dublin City University (DCU) in Ireland (2000-2010), and before that as a professor and dean at the University of Hull, and lecturer and Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.

A German-born Irish citizen, von Prondzynski is an authority on employment and commercial law and on certain EU and competition policy matters, as well as an active commentator on aspects of academic affairs and public policy.

Personal life

Family background

von Prondzynski's family, then named Pradzynski, were originally of Pomeranian-Kashubian origin, with earliest records going back to 1366, but his lineage can be traced back with greater certainty to 1550. He is a direct descendant of Ferdinand von Prondzynski, a 19th-century Prussian general from Groschowitz, near Oppeln in Silesia (now Groszowice, near Opole within Poland). Konrad, his great-grandfather, started a Silesian cement business in the late 19th century; the town square in Groszowice is named after him. Von Prondzynski's grandfather, Alfred, was a lieutenant in the First World War, in which he was seriously wounded; he died later from his wounds, in 1932. His grandmother later remarried in the 1930s to a retired admiral, Karl Feldmann (who worked for the Ministry of Labour) when Ferdinand's father, Hans, was still a young man.

Hans von Prondzynski was a captain in the German army during the Second World War, was wounded several times in battle, and was ''inter alia'' awarded the Iron Cross Class 1 (EK1). After the war, he lost his lands in what became part of Poland, moved to the new West Germany, studied law in Göttingen, and then joined the cement-producing company Dyckerhoff AG, eventually becoming a director. He married Irene Gräfin (approximately Countess) Grote in the Grote family residence at Breese im Bruche, in Lower Saxony (Hanover) in 1950, and they had four children: Isabelle, Ferdinand, Aglaja and Pia.

Early life

Ferdinand Victor Jean von Prondzynski was born at Bevensen on 30 June 1954. The family home at Breese, Germany had to be partially demolished in 1958, because of structural damage to two wings during the war and immediate post-war years, and Hans and Irene, with their Ferdinand and two sisters, Isabelle and Pia, moved to a farming estate in Ireland in 1961. According to von Prondzynski, his father's poor health, lack of funds to maintain Breese im Bruche, and a desire for a less stressful lifestyle, led to Hans and Irene von Prondzynski leaving Germany and moving to the Knockdrin estate near Mullingar, County Westmeath, where they settled in Knockdrin Castle. After a few years, Hans grew weary of farming and moved back to Germany and to Dyckerhoff AG, but the family kept their new estate in Ireland, and Hans retired to there in 1982. He died in Ireland in 1998, after a long illness. Irene von Prondzynski lived in Knockdrin until she died in 2017.

Education and early career

After his family moved to Ireland in 1961, Ferdinand von Prondzynski was educated at Headfort School, Kells, County Meath. In 1968 the family returned to Germany, and after a short time in the Schule Schloss Salem boarding school, von Prondzynski attended the Thomas-Morus Gymnasium in Oelde, passing his ''Abitur'' examination in 1972.

Having worked for Dresdner Bank AG in Germany from 1972 to 1974, von ]Prondzynski returned to Ireland. Having not planned to go to college, he then enrolled in Law at Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 1978 with B.A. and LL.B. degrees. He then pursued a PhD in Law from the University of Cambridge, graduating in 1983. Von Prondzynski became an Irish citizen in 1976.

Family and personal life

On his first day lecturing at Trinity College Dublin, von Prondzynski met English lecturer Heather Ingman, and they subsequently married. Ingman became Adjunct Professor of English at Trinity, having previously worked at the University of Hull; she is also an academic author and novelist, and has been an occasional writer in the Irish Times. Ingman and von Prondzynski have two sons, Sebastian (adopted from Ecuador) and Theo.

Von Prondzynski was a member of the Church of Ireland, and later the Scottish Episcopal Church, and a keen follower of Newcastle United football club. He is also a keen amateur photographer, and DCU published several calendars of his photographs.

The von Prondzynski family home was for many years Knockdrin Castle and estate, near Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland; this was placed on the market in 2017 and sold in January 2021 for €10m.

Academic career

Trinity College Dublin

In 1980, von Prondzynski was appointed as a lecturer in the School of Business Studies, Trinity College Dublin, and became a Fellow of the College in 1987. During this time he became known for his views on industrial relations and labour law matters, often taking an approach sympathetic to the trade union movement and gaining the nickname "the Red Baron".

Industrial relations and employment law

Von Prondzynski's published academic output has been influential in particular in the field of industrial relations and employment law. In his early work he argued for a disengagement of the law from industrial relations, taking the position that problems and disputes were better resolved through bargaining than through litigation. The most elaborate expression of his views during this period is contained in his book ''Freedom of Association and Industrial Relations'' (1984). However, from the later 1980s onwards his views began to change, and he argued for a framework of employment regulation that took account of economic pressures and the need to maintain competitive conditions. This culminated in his contribution to a major international book in 2000 in which he argued that the law should protect employees' rights, but also promote business success and economic growth. He has also published a number of books and articles on social policy and in particular on the importance of legal protection against discrimination.

He achieved national status as an authority on employment and commercial law in Ireland, co-authoring the first academic textbook on Irish employment law. He is also an expert on European Union matters and on competition (antitrust) policy.

Hull

From 1991 to 2000 von Prondzynski was Professor of Law in the University of Hull; for much of that time he was also a Dean – first of the School of Law, and latterly of the whole Faculty of Social Sciences. He was also a Director of the British-American Business Council.

Dublin City University

Von Prondzynski was appointed as the second president of Dublin City University (DCU) in July 2000, for a ten-year term, succeeding its founding president, Danny O'Hare, after 22 years. He developed a high public profile and became known for his comments on higher education and other public policy issues.

Achievements

In his role as president of DCU, he oversaw improvements in the campus facilities, for both students and staff. Though seen by some as one of the new breed of so-called 'reforming' university presidents, on the whole he avoided the large-scale structural reforms that have characterised the leadership in other third-level institutions ', instead focusing on interdisciplinary 'Academic Themes', introduced in the University's initial strategic plan during his term, ''Leading Change'' (2001). These were designed to reinforce and develop DCU's reputation for cross-disciplinary teaching and research and influence the university's research mission; they had a significant effect on the university's research strategy in particular, and found a place in DCU's organisational structure – but the appointment of 'Theme Leaders' proved to be difficult.

During his tenure von Prondzynski oversaw growth in student population, and performance in attracting research funding. DCU secured several high-profile research grants (particularly under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, and under the Science Foundation Ireland programme for Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation). The two largest SFI grants have both gone to projects led by DCU.

There was also a continuing drive to develop innovation in teaching and learning. At von Prondzynski's proposal, a new post of Vice-President for Learning Innovation was established in 2004, and in 2007 the university adopted a new "Academic Framework for Innovation". DCU tended to be successful in recruiting students, often increasing its share of the total pool of applicants, and this pattern continued under von Prondzynski's presidency, even when student applications nationally were decreasing.

The university's achievements were recognised internationally when, in 2007, DCU entered the ''Times Higher Education'' World Rankings at number 300. By 2009 the university had risen in the rankings to 279.

Controversy

According to one newspaper profile, von Prondzynski was liked by colleagues at DCU, even when there were disagreements. However, while corporate matters rather than personal, there was some controversy around three employment law cases at DCU during his tenure. These involved three members of academic staff, two senior, at the university, received much media attention and the university lost all on appeal, including once at the Supreme Court.

There was also controversy over new contracts of employment and negotiations on a new disciplinary procedure, which had begun before von Prondzynski's term of office but continued throughout his tenure without resolution. As part of this controversy, a "vote of no confidence in the conduct of negotiations by senior management of the university" was narrowly passed by those staff who voted, while several parliamentary questions were raised on this matter by the Green Party. There was further controversy when von Prondzynski was criticised by his colleagues and also by union officials for briefly postponing Executive elections at the university when a senior academic (who was also one of the litigants mentioned) was nominated as a candidate, though the elections proceeded and the candidate was not elected.

Robert Gordon University

Von Prondzynski became Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Robert Gordon University (commonly called ''RGU'') in Aberdeen, Scotland, at the end of March 2011. He quickly developed a high profile in Scottish higher education and in June 2011 the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP, appointed von Prondzynski to chair a national review of university governance (see below).

In a number of interviews and public statements, von Prondzynski declared that he wanted Robert Gordon University to be a leader in the development of Scottish economic and cultural growth. In 2012 he also became associated with the proposal, prompted by the university's billionaire Chancellor, philanthropist Sir Ian Wood, to redevelop the area around Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens. He was a prominent signatory of a letter addressed to the City Council urging it to adopt the proposal for a new 'City Garden'. In early 2013, von Prondzynski took a leading role in a high-profile local campaign by the university to prompt the regeneration of the Aberdeen city centre. He is a board member of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), and of Aberdeen City Council's City Centre Regeneration Board. Von Prondzynski also commented on the value for money of university salaries; his RGU package was at the time over 250,000 pounds.

Von Prondzynski has also made several public statements questioning an aspect of British public policy designed to focus research funding on a small number of older universities, arguing that all excellent research should have the potential to be funded regardless of the university that hosts it, and arguing also that some of this funding should be directed more closely to match national economic priorities.

Achievements and issues

The university attained strong standings during von Prondzynski's tenure. According to the 2013 Times Good University Guide RGU was the best modern university in the UK, while according to the Guardian University Guide 2013, it was the best modern university in Scotland and second best in the UK. Analysis published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has indicated that graduates from full-time undergraduate degrees in each of 2011-2016 had among the top 20 employment rates of any university in the UK, with the ratio being 96.5% in 2016, and 97.6% in 2017, and it was rated the best Scottish university for graduate prospects. However RGU also suffered a decline in some UK university rankings, falling from #36 in 2010 to #78 in the 2019 edition of The Guardian University Guide, as well as seeing a similar decline in performance in The Complete University Guide.

Also during von Prondzynski's tenure, the university centralised its activities on a modernised single campus at Garthdee, with the Principal's office moving in 2013.

Review of governance of Scottish universities

In 2011 the Scottish Ministers commissioned von Prondzynski to chair a review of higher education governance. The review was welcomed by student and staff representatives across the university sector. Initially the University and College Union (UCU) raised concerns about the appointment of von Prondzynski to chair the review, because of a then ongoing dispute about recognition of the union at his university, RGU, which predated von Prondzynski's appointment as Principal. This dispute was subsequently resolved, and in the event the UCU strongly endorsed the published report.

Von Prondzynski's committee reported in January 2012, and the report was published by the Scottish government in February 2012. The report was generally well received, but some of its recommendations - and in particular the recommendations that the chairs of governing bodies should be elected, and that bonuses should largely be eliminated - were seen by some as radical. Overall the report suggested that Scotland's universities were part of the wider idea of the 'democratic intellect' and should behave in a transparent and accountable manner. The report also recommended that universities should enjoy institutional autonomy, and that they should maintain and defend academic freedom.

The Scottish government welcomed the recommendations of the review, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning announced to the Scottish Parliament that the government would implement its findings. In November 2014 the Scottish Government published a consultation document in which it declared its intention to introduce a statute implementing key aspects of the von Prondzynski governance review.

RGU appointment controversy

In May 2018 an internal review was launched after a whistleblower flagged that RGU's newly appointed Vice-Principal for Research, Gordon McConnell, a senior academic and formerly the Head of the Office of the President at DCU, was co-director with von Prondzynski in the company holding von Prondzynski's family estate (on sale for around 13.5 million euro), and this was not disclosed under the RGU ''conflict of interest'' policy. Although von Prondzynski had a contractual obligation to disclose it, the information had in fact been in the public domain since 2009, and was accessible to anyone by a free search in the Irish register of companies. It was found that this breached the policy but that the appointment was valid, and the non-declaration was a "genuine omission or oversight" and did not warrant substantial action. This finding lead to a letter of resignation from another of the three Vice-Principals, Paul Hagan, who condemned RGU for failing to punish the pair, stating that this damaged the institution ("In the future, other staff may use the defence that they 'forgot' when challenged in investigations and it will be difficult then to sanction them ... having failed to sanction members of the Executive.") He did make it clear that the issue was not personal to the appointed fellow vice-principal, stating "I am firmly of the belief that had this information about this personal conflict been made available at the appropriate time an alternative appointment process would have been instigated, one with more than a single, hand-picked candidate, selected by you. ... The irony is that Gordon may well have been appointed through such an alternative process..." while commenting "This outcome will undoubtedly drive a wedge between the staff and members of the Executive. Our stock is already extremely low."

Departure and legacy

On 9 August 2018, RGU announced that von Prondzynski would voluntarily step down from his post on 31 August. Von Prondzynski acknowledged that the outcome of the investigation "has caused division and therefore had a damaging impact on the university’s reputation, which I personally hugely regret", and stated that his primary reason for resigning his post was "to allow RGU to recover", adding that he was "confident it will do so quickly." In the same press release, RGU announced that Deputy Principal John Harper had already been appointed to succeed von Prondzynski, an action which Mary Senior of the University and College Union criticised as "ironic that while he made such a huge contribution to improving university governance, his former university is shoe-horning in his replacement without any recruitment process." It was also announced that Vice-Principal Hagan had withdrawn his resignation, and that RGU had accepted this.

The Chair of the RGU Board of Governors commented "Under his leadership, the University has had significant successes and has been recognised for its sector leadership in the national skills agenda, for the continuing development of student-centred excellence and for industry-focused research and support. RGU is recognised for its leading position in the rankings for graduate employment for students, has received a 'Gold' ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and led the way in Graduate Apprenticeships." while the UCU Scotland official Mary Senior commented "It is disappointing to learn of Prof von Prondzynski's resignation." and "While we've not agreed on everything, particularly at a local level, he has made a significant contribution to higher education in Scotland."

Public profile

Von Prondzynski was author of a blog and a weekly column in the ''Irish Times'' newspaper. In his blog and elsewhere he described the benefits of immigration, the risks to universities caused by the failure of the Irish Department of Education and Science to prioritise higher education, and the need to recover civility and courtesy in society. On the 'free fees' scheme in Ireland, under which Irish and EU students pay only "registration" fees, he argued that too much of the money spent on this went to wealthier people who did not need it, while poorer students are neglected. He also criticised the so-called 'points system' in Ireland which determines student entry into university courses. He has argued for a 're-think' on the numbers of lawyers educated and trained at Irish universities contending that there are too many, although during his time DCU approved a new BCL law degree. He made similar comments about the number of law graduates in Scotland when giving evidence in March 2012 before the Scottish Parliament's Education and Culture Committee. He argued for higher levels of entrepreneurship and interaction between universities and industry in Scotland.

Other roles

Von Prondzynski was a member of the Irish National Competitiveness Council between 2002 and 2011, and of the National Executive Council of Ibec (then the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation). He was also a director of the Irish Universities Quality Board, the US-Ireland R&D Partnership and, for two years, chair of the Research Advisory Committee of Ireland's National Disability Authority. From 2000–2010, he was also a director of the Irish National Chamber Choir.

In April 2011 he was appointed to the board of directors of Educate Together, a patron body for non-denominational schools, a post he held for some years. He was also for a time a non-executive director of the formerly NASDAQ-listed e-learning company Skillsoft.

Von Prondzynski later became an ordinand — or trainee priest — with the Scottish Episcopal Church and, at some time, served as the church’s Diocesan Secretary in northeast Scotland. He was criticised, along with others, in an independent review of the behaviour of his local Bishop - for colluding in unsatisfactory behaviour. Separately, he was accused of using unchristian language on social media, for which he apologised.

Recognition

In 2006, von Prondzynski was elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy, one of the highest academic honours in Ireland.

In September 2010 Prof von Prondzynski was invested by H.E. Don Carlos de Gereda y de Borbón as a Knight of Justice in the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.

External links

Biography
on webpage of The Robert Gordon University

Blog by Ferdinand von Prondzynski

Ferdinand von Prondzynski speaking at Ignite Dublin #1

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Von Prondzynski, Ferdinand
Alumni of Trinity College Dublin
Alumni of Christ's College, Cambridge
Fellows of Trinity College Dublin
Irish legal scholars
Presidents of Dublin City University
Principals by university in Scotland
Members of the Royal Irish Academy
People associated with Robert Gordon University
Irish people of German descent
German emigrants to Ireland
Irish Anglicans
1954 births
Living people