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On Mike Fitzgerald's resignation, I am concerned that a myth is being created of someone who was a visionary but could not deliver.

This is not the Mike Fitzgerald I have known and respected for more than a decade. There is a difference between having vision and being a visionary. In all the many discussions we have had, Mike Fitzgerald's vision, compassion and a burning desire for equity in higher education were always rooted in reality. Mike has always delivered in the past and, I have no doubt, will do so in the future.

His vision and compassion are now lost to Thames Valley but they must not be lost to higher education in this country. When the dust has settled the opportunity must be found to enable Mike's strategic drive and shrewd insight to continue contributing to the progressive development of higher education.

Leslie Wagner

Vice-chancellor Leeds Metropolitan University