A hard act to follow

It may be hard to credit today, but just 10 short years ago, the election of Dr Tom Mitchell to the provostship of TCD was notable largely because he was the first Catholic to hold the post. If the new provost's religious background was of interest to the public at large, however, it was barely an issue in the college itself.

Nonetheless, when the history of TCD in the last decade of the 20th century is written, Dr Tom Mitchell's reign as provost is likely to be seen as a watershed. Unlike many of his predecessors, Mitchell has emerged as a national figure, taking outspoken stances on many issues concerning the third-level sector. According to his friends, this has less to do with the fact that he comes from the majority religious background and more to do with his personality, which is open and approachable.

"He has opened up the college both mentally and physically," says one source. "There's a sense that TCD is now open to a much wider world. Mitchell has shown a willingness to engage publicly in intellectual discussion on ideas, ideals and the role of the universities. That hasn't happened before. Previous provosts have been great scholars and very effective within the college, but they didn't go public. That's a big change in TCD."

During his provostship, Mitchell has been highly critical of the Government decision to abolish third-level fees and he has constantly spoken out in favour of greater supports for those on low incomes who are attending third level. He has won plaudits for the support he has given to the development of third-level access programmes in Trinity.

On the academic side, he has established seven new chairs - including drama, global economics, contemporary Irish history and Jewish studies. His scheme to ensure that all TCD undergraduates receive a rounded education and develop good communications and language skills - "the broad curriculum" - has been accepted at board level and is currently being implemented.

The Mitchell years have also seen a range of new college appointments - including the post of dean of research, which has enabled the college to benefit from major government research initiatives. Above all else, though, Mitchell, who steps down in August, will be remembered as the Building Provost.

It's probably true to say that the Mayo man has raised more money for college building than any provost before him. Over the last 10 years, capital developments worth £300 million have been initiated.

Under Mitchell's stewardship, the college has come to own the entire island site from College Green and along Nassau Street, Westland Row and Pearse Street. Now TCD extends beyond Westland Row down Pearse Street and takes in the Goldsmith Hall building, the former An Post site adjacent to Pearse Station and the IDA Centre.

Beyond College Green, too, the college owns the row of elegant buildings which comprise Foster Place. Student accommodation is also expanding - Goldsmith Hall provides 200 residences and the new accommodation at Dartry Hall, once complete, will provide just under 1,000 places.

Mitchell cuts an impressive figure on the third-level scene and is widely admired and respected in education circles. His recent appointment to the chair of the newly established Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology was applauded throughout the university sector.

"I believe he has been a great provost," says one TCD professor. "He was about much more than buildings. He has had a huge impact on academic programmes and appointments. He has maintained the special status of Trinity (via the TCD Act). He will be a hard act to follow."

Despite this, Provost Mitchell has his detractors.

"There's a feeling among college staff that Tom Mitchell has been too remote and that his style has become presidential," observes one academic. "There have been very few opportunities for senior academics to meet the provost during his time in office."

"It's significant that the candidates (for the provostship) are emphasising the need to establish an inclusive college community," comments another source. "In that, there is an implied criticism of the current provost. There is a feeling that Front Square (which houses the college administration) is out of touch with the grassroots.

"Student numbers and the demands on lecturing staff have increased enormously. Staff-student ratios are declining and we don't have the resources to match the load. People are finding their jobs much less satisfying."

In fairness to Mitchell, though, he took up his appointment at a difficult time - when money was tight and the college was undergoing a major student expansion. During the Mitchell years, student numbers have risen from just over 9,000 in 1991 to almost 15,000 today. The State's capital investment in the college, meanwhile, has failed to keep pace with this growth.