 On 17 February 1783, the University awarded him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, often a preliminary to an academic appointment, though formally in honour of his position as Minister of the High Kirk.However, he was never made a professor and in 1785, when Principal Davidson died, he was passed over in his efforts to succeed him, though he was the choice of the Professors, despite him not having any academic post.He has been described as ""a time serving party man"".