In a video seen by The Telegraph, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University Peter Horrocks appears breaking down in front of the academics after being accused of having a "hard heart."
Earlier this year, Horrocks came under fire for criticizing the striking staffers and accusing them of "not teaching."
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"I think it's really important that the way that we use language absolutely acknowledges people's strengths and their differences," he is heard saying in the video.
The Vice-Chancellor argued that "using a particular verb: harden and soften" was inappropriate and that he "was hurt by that."
"I've got quite a soft heart. I care about this place. I didn't come here to be told I've got a hard heart," he exclaimed.
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"I'm trying to save the place. Who do you think I am? A monster? Just driven by business? I came here because I care. I really care. And this place may fail."
The OU, which offers courses primarily to mature and part-time students, has been plagued by a decrease in the number of students ever since university fees were tripled in 2012.
He has since become a subject of major controversy for earning £360,000 per year, while overseeing a dramatic number of redundancies.
In April this year, the academic council at the OU passed a vote of no confidence in Horrocks, though his fate as the Vice-Chancellor currently remains unknown.