Donors say they won’t support University of Newcastle after coalmining executive made chancellor

In an open letter, 16 philanthropists said they could not support the appointment of Mark Vaile who is determined to build new coalmines'

Prominent philanthropists have said they will not donate to the University of Newcastle after coalmining executive Mark Vaile was appointed the institution's new chancellor.

Vaile, a former federal Nationals leader and the current chairman of Whitehaven Coal, was named the university's new chancellor earlier this month, a decision that prompted a member of the university council to resign.