There is no doubt that he was an excellent mathematician who was highly regarded by Thomson and frequently consulted by him. However he was a major figure in the development of the University of Glasgow, both in terms of his successful leading a flourishing mathematics department and in terms of wider university administration which he undertook with enthusiasm.
Walang agam-agam na siya ay isang mahusay na dalubbilang na noon ay mataas ang regarded by Thomson at madalas na kinunsulta na sa pamamagitan ng kanya. Gayunman siya ay isang pangunahing pigura sa pag-unlad ng University of Glasgow, pareho sa mga tuntunin ng kanyang matagumpay na humahantong sa isang yumayabong matematika departamento at sa mga tuntunin ng mas malawak na unibersidad pangangasiwa na kung saan siya undertook na may sigasig.