Rector of the University of Aberdeen
Encyclopedia
The Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen is the students' representative and chairman in the University Court
of the University of Aberdeen
. The position is rarely known by its full title and most often referred to simply as "Rector
". The Rector is elected by students of the University and serves a three year term. Although the position has existed since 1495, it was only officially made the students' representative in 1860.
The position exists in common throughout the ancient universities of Scotland
with Rectorships in existence at the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee
and St Andrews
. The position is given legal standing by virtue of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 and is the third office of precedence in the university (following the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor / Principal). Rectors also appoint a Rector's Assessor, who may carry out their functions when they are absent from the University.
The 1996 election was unusual in that one of the two candidates (who lost by approximately 100 votes) had recently completed studies at the University, highlighting the fact that there is no rule preventing a member of the student body from standing for the post and that the trend for celebrity candidates might distance the office from the issues of student life.
The current Rector is Stephen Robertson.
In the 2007–08 academic year, James Michael Wilson (a then first-year student at the University) was Rector's Assessor for Robin Harper
. Mr Wilson was the youngest Rector's Assessor ever to be appointed to the position at the University of Aberdeen or any of its predecessor Colleges.
University Court
A University Court is an administrative body of a university in the United Kingdom. In England's Oxbridge such a Court carries out limited judicial functions; whereas in Scotland it is a University's supreme governing body, analogous to a Board of Directors or a Board of Trustees.-England:In the...
of the University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen, an ancient university founded in 1495, in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a British university. It is the third oldest university in Scotland, and the fifth oldest in the United Kingdom and wider English-speaking world...
. The position is rarely known by its full title and most often referred to simply as "Rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
". The Rector is elected by students of the University and serves a three year term. Although the position has existed since 1495, it was only officially made the students' representative in 1860.
The position exists in common throughout the ancient universities of Scotland
Ancient universities of Scotland
The ancient universities of Scotland are medieval and renaissance universities which continue to exist until the present day. The majority of the ancient universities of the British Isles are located within Scotland, and have a number of distinctive features in common, being governed by a series of...
with Rectorships in existence at the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee
Rector of the University of Dundee
The Rector of the University of Dundee is elected by the matriculated students of the University. From 1967 to 2010 the Rector was automatically a full member of the University Court...
and St Andrews
Rector of the University of St Andrews
The Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews is a university official chosen every three years by the students of the University of St Andrews...
. The position is given legal standing by virtue of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 and is the third office of precedence in the university (following the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor / Principal). Rectors also appoint a Rector's Assessor, who may carry out their functions when they are absent from the University.
The 1996 election was unusual in that one of the two candidates (who lost by approximately 100 votes) had recently completed studies at the University, highlighting the fact that there is no rule preventing a member of the student body from standing for the post and that the trend for celebrity candidates might distance the office from the issues of student life.
The current Rector is Stephen Robertson.
Rector's Assessor
Each Rector appoints a Rector's Assessor to the University Court. He or she maintains a permanent seat in the University Court during the period of their duty. The Rector's Assessor furthermore acts, with the support of the president of the Students' Association, as the Rector’s representative when the Rector cannot be present, additionally they sit on the Joint Planning, Finance & Estates Committee and Student Affairs Committee in an official permanent capacity. Further roles and responsibilities include being a 'focal point' for the student body to interact with the decision making levels of university governance, and coordinating the on-campus and online presence for the Rector.In the 2007–08 academic year, James Michael Wilson (a then first-year student at the University) was Rector's Assessor for Robin Harper
Robin Harper
Robin Harper FRSSA is a Scottish politician, and was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothians region. He was co-convener of the Scottish Green Party...
. Mr Wilson was the youngest Rector's Assessor ever to be appointed to the position at the University of Aberdeen or any of its predecessor Colleges.
2011 Election
Following complaints about the campaign, the first election of mid 2011 was deemed null and void, and it was decided that nominations would re-open in October. There were 6 candidates running this time, and on 10/11/11 it was announced that Dr Maitland Mackie would be taking over the position, having received the most votesRector of King's College, Aberdeen
- 1637–? : Arthur Johnston
- 1639–1644 : William GuildWilliam Guild-Life:The son of Matthew Guild, a wealthy armourer of Aberdeen, he was born at Aberdeen, and was educated at Marischal College. He received license to preach in 1605, and in 1608 was ordained minister of the parish of King Edward in his native county. Two years later his wealth was increased by...
- 1651–? : Andrew CantAndrew CantAndrew Cant was a Presbyterian minister and leader of the Scottish Covenanters. About 1623 the people of Edinburgh called him to be their minister, but he was rejected by James I. Ten years later he was minister of Pitsligo in Aberdeenshire, a charge which he left in 1638 for that of Newbattle in...
- 1677–1682 : John Menzies
- 1805–1814 : Sylvester Douglas, 1st Baron GlenbervieSylvester Douglas, 1st Baron GlenbervieSylvester Douglas, 1st Baron Glenbervie PC, KC, FRS, FSA was a British lawyer, politician and diarist. He was Chief Secretary for Ireland between 1793 and 1794.-Background, education and legal career:...
- 1827-1837 : John Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of ArbuthnottJohn Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of ArbuthnottJohn Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of Arbuthnott was a Scottish peer and soldier. Known as "the rich Lord" he built the bridge in front of Arbuthnott House...
- 1838–? : Lord Francis EgertonFrancis Egerton, 1st Earl of EllesmereFrancis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere KG, PC , known as Lord Francis Leveson-Gower until 1833, was a British politician, writer, traveller and patron of the arts...
- 1857–? : John InglisJohn Inglis, Lord GlencorseJohn Inglis, Lord Glencorse FRSE was a Scottish politician and judge. He was Lord President of the Court of Session ....
Rector of Marischal College, Aberdeen
- 1663–? : George Meldrum
- 1664-? : Arthur RoseArthur RoseArthur Rose was a seventeenth century Scottish priest, Archbishop of St Andrews, and Episcopal Primate of Scotland.-Life:The younger son of Elizabeth Wood and her husband, John Rose, minister of Birse, he was born in 1634...
- 1770–? : Alexander FordyceAlexander FordyceAlexander Fordyce was a Scottish banker, centrally involved in the bank run on Neal, James, Fordyce and Down in 1772.-Early life:He was the youngest son of Provost George Fordyce of Aberdeen, and brother to David Fordyce, James Fordyce, and William Fordyce...
- ?–1792 : William FordyceWilliam Fordyce-Life:The son of Provost George Fordyce of Aberdeen, and brother of David Fordyce, was born at Aberdeen in 1724, and educated at Marischal College; also serving a medical pupilage with a local practitioner and with his brother John at Uppingham in 1743...
- 1809–? : William Grant
- 1820-1822: James Duff, 4th Earl FifeJames Duff, 4th Earl FifeJames Duff, 4th Earl of Fife KT, GCH , was a Scot who became a Spanish general.-Biography:James was the elder son of the Hon. Alexander Duff, who succeeded his brother as third Earl Fife in 1809...
- 1823-1824: James Duff, 4th Earl FifeJames Duff, 4th Earl FifeJames Duff, 4th Earl of Fife KT, GCH , was a Scot who became a Spanish general.-Biography:James was the elder son of the Hon. Alexander Duff, who succeeded his brother as third Earl Fife in 1809...
- 1824–1825 : Joseph HumeJoseph HumeJoseph Hume FRS was a Scottish doctor and Radical MP, born in Montrose, Angus.-Medical career:He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and moved to India in 1797...
- 1826–1827 : Sir James McGrigorSir James McGrigor, 1st BaronetSir James McGrigor, 1st Baronet was a Scottish physician and considered to be the man largely responsible for the creation of the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served as Rector of the University of Aberdeen.-Early life:...
- 1831-1832: William Hay, 18th Earl of ErrollWilliam Hay, 18th Earl of ErrollWilliam George Hay, 18th Earl of Erroll KT, GCH, PC , styled Lord Hay between 1815 and 1819, was a Scottish peer and politician.-Background and education:...
- 1835–? : John AbercrombieJohn Abercrombie (physician)John Abercrombie FRSE FRCSE FRCPE was a Scottish physician and philosopher. The Chambers Biographical Dictionary says of him that after Dr James Gregory's death, he was "recognized as the first consulting physician in Scotland".The son of the Reverend George Abercrombie, the minister of East...
- 1841–1843 : Sir James McGrigorSir James McGrigor, 1st BaronetSir James McGrigor, 1st Baronet was a Scottish physician and considered to be the man largely responsible for the creation of the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served as Rector of the University of Aberdeen.-Early life:...
- 1843-1845: John Campbell, 2nd Marquess of BreadalbaneJohn Campbell, 2nd Marquess of BreadalbaneJohn Campbell, 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane KT, PC, FRS , styled Lord Glenorchy until 1831 and as Earl of Ormelie from 1831 to 1834, was a Scottish nobleman and Liberal politician.-Background and education:...
- 1845–1848 : Sir Archibald AlisonSir Archibald Alison, 1st BaronetSir Archibald Alison, 1st Baronet FRSE was a Scottish advocate and historian. He held several prominent legal appointments. He was the younger son of the Episcopalian cleric and author Archibald Alison...
- 1848–1851 : Patrick Robertson, Lord Robertson
- 1851–1853 : Archibald MontgomerieArchibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of EglintonSir Archibald William Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton KT, PC , known as Lord Montgomerie from 1814 to 1819, was a British Conservative politician...
- 1853–1854 : George Howard, 7th Earl of Carlisle
- 1854–1855 : William Henry SykesWilliam Henry SykesColonel William Henry Sykes, FRS was an Indian Army officer, politician and ornithologist.Sykes was born near Bradford in Yorkshire, and joined the Bombay Army, a part of the armed forces of the Honourable East India Company, in 1804, returning to Britain in 1837...
- 1855–1858 : Austen Henry LayardAusten Henry LayardSir Austen Henry Layard GCB, PC was a British traveller, archaeologist, cuneiformist, art historian, draughtsman, collector, author, politician and diplomat, best known as the excavator of Nimrud.-Family:...
- 1858-1859: Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl StanhopePhilip Stanhope, 5th Earl StanhopePhilip Henry Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope FRS , styled Viscount Mahon between 1816 and 1855, was a British politician and historian...
Rector of the University of Aberdeen
- 1860–1863 : Edward Francis Maitland
- 1863–1866 : John Russell, 1st Earl RussellJohn Russell, 1st Earl RussellJohn Russell, 1st Earl Russell, KG, GCMG, PC , known as Lord John Russell before 1861, was an English Whig and Liberal politician who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century....
- 1866–1872 : Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant DuffMountstuart Elphinstone Grant DuffSir Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff GCSI, CIE, PC FRS , known as M. E. Grant Duff before 1887 and as Sir Mountstuart Grant Duff thereafter, was a Scottish politician, administrator and author...
- 1872–1875 : Thomas Henry Huxley
- 1875–1878 : William Edward ForsterWilliam Edward ForsterWilliam Edward Forster PC, FRS was an English industrialist, philanthropist and Liberal Party statesman.-Early life:...
- 1878–1881 : Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of RoseberyArchibald Primrose, 5th Earl of RoseberyArchibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, KG, PC was a British Liberal statesman and Prime Minister. Between the death of his father, in 1851, and the death of his grandfather, the 4th Earl, in 1868, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny.Rosebery was a Liberal Imperialist who...
- 1881–? : Alexander BainAlexander BainAlexander Bain was a Scottish philosopher and educationalist in the British school of empiricism who was a prominent and innovative figure in the fields of psychology, linguistics, logic, moral philosophy and education reform...
- 188?–? : George Goschen
- 1890–? Alexander BainAlexander BainAlexander Bain was a Scottish philosopher and educationalist in the British school of empiricism who was a prominent and innovative figure in the fields of psychology, linguistics, logic, moral philosophy and education reform...
- 1890–1899 : Charles Gordon, 11th Marquess of HuntlyCharles Gordon, 11th Marquess of HuntlyCharles Gordon, 11th Marquess of Huntly PC, DL, JP , styled Lord Strathavon until 1853 and Earl of Aboyne between 1853 and 1863, was a Scottish Liberal politician...
- 1899–? : Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount RoyalDonald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount RoyalSir Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, GCMG, GCVO, PC, DL was a Scottish-born Canadian fur trader, financier, railroad baron and politician.-Early life:...
- 1902–1905 : Charles Ritchie
- 1905–1908 : Sir Frederick TrevesSir Frederick Treves, 1st BaronetSir Frederick Treves, 1st Baronet, GCVO, CH, CB was a prominent British surgeon of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, now most famous for his friendship with Joseph Merrick, "the Elephant Man".-Eminent surgeon:...
- 1908–1914 : H. H. AsquithH. H. AsquithHerbert Henry Asquith, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, KG, PC, KC served as the Liberal Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 to 1916...
- 1914–1918 : Winston ChurchillWinston ChurchillSir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
- 1918–1921 : Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount CowdrayWeetman Pearson, 1st Viscount CowdrayWeetman Dickinson Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray GCVO, PC , known as Sir Weetman Pearson, Bt, between 1894 and 1910 and as The Lord Cowdray between 1910 and 1917, was a British engineer, oil industrialist, benefactor and Liberal politician...
- 1921–1924 : Robert HorneRobert Horne, 1st Viscount Horne of SlamannanRobert Stevenson Horne, 1st Viscount Horne of Slamannan GBE, PC, KC was a Scottish businessman, advocate and Unionist politician. He served under David Lloyd George as Minister of Labour between 1919 and 1920, as President of the Board of Trade between 1920 and 1921 and as Chancellor of the...
- 1924–1927 : Robert Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of ChelwoodRobert Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of ChelwoodEdgar Algernon Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood CH, PC, QC , known as Lord Robert Cecil from 1868 to 1923, was a lawyer, politician and diplomat in the United Kingdom...
- 1927–1930 : F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of BirkenheadF. E. Smith, 1st Earl of BirkenheadFrederick Edwin Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead GCSI, PC, KC , best known to history as F. E. Smith , was a British Conservative statesman and lawyer of the early 20th century. He was a skilled orator, noted for his staunch opposition to Irish nationalism, his wit, pugnacious views, and hard living...
- 1930–1933 : Arthur KeithArthur KeithSir Arthur Keith was a Scottish anatomist and anthropologist, who became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Hunterian Professor and conservator of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in London...
- 1933–1936 : Walter Elliot
- 1936–1942 : Sir Edward EvansEdward Evans, 1st Baron MountevansAdmiral Edward Ratcliffe Garth Russell Evans, 1st Baron Mountevans, KCB, DSO , known as "Teddy" Evans, was a British naval officer and Antarctic explorer...
- 1942–1945 : Sir Stafford CrippsStafford CrippsSir Richard Stafford Cripps was a British Labour politician of the first half of the 20th century. During World War II he served in a number of positions in the wartime coalition, including Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Minister of Aircraft Production...
- 1945–1948 : Eric LinklaterEric LinklaterEric Robert Russell Linklater was a British writer, known for more than 20 novels, as well as short stories, travel writing and autobiography, and military history.-Life:...
- 1948–1951 : John Buchan, 2nd Baron TweedsmuirJohn Norman Stuart Buchan, 2nd Baron TweedsmuirJohn Norman Stuart Buchan, 2nd Baron Tweedsmuir CBE, CD was a Scottish Peer and the son of John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. He has been described as a "brilliant fisherman and naturalist, a gallant soldier and fine writer of English, an explorer, colonial administrator and man of business."...
- 1951–1954 : Jimmy EdwardsJimmy EdwardsJimmy Edwards DFC was an English comedic script writer and comedy actor on both radio and television, best known as Pa Glum in Take It From Here and as the headmaster 'Professor' James Edwards in Whack-O!-Biography:...
- 1954–1957 : Rhoderick McGrigorRhoderick McGrigorAdmiral of the Fleet Sir Rhoderick Robert McGrigor GCB was a Royal Navy officer and the British First Sea Lord from 1951 to 1955. During his years as professional head of the Royal Navy, he is most remembered as a leading proponent of carrier-based air power.-Early life:Rhoderick Robert McGrigor...
- 1957–1960 : John MacDonald Bannerman
- 1960–1963 : Peter ScottPeter ScottSir Peter Markham Scott, CH, CBE, DSC and Bar, MID, FRS, FZS, was a British ornithologist, conservationist, painter, naval officer and sportsman....
- 1963–1966 : Sir John HuntJohn Hunt, Baron HuntBrigadier Henry Cecil John Hunt, Baron Hunt KG, PC, CBE, DSO, was a British army officer who is best known as the leader of the successful 1953 British Expedition to Mount Everest.-Early life and career:...
- 1966–1969 : Frank George Thomson
- 1969–1972 : Jo Grimond
- 1972–1975 : Michael Barratt
- 1975–1978 : Iain CuthbertsonIain CuthbertsonIain Cuthbertson was a Scottish character actor. At 6' 4", he was known for his tall imposing build and also his distinctive "gravelly" heavily accented voice.-Early life:...
- 1978–1981 : Sandy GallSandy GallHenderson Alexander Gall, CMG, CBE , known as Sandy Gall, is a Scottish journalist, author, and former ITN news presenter. His career as a journalist spans over 50 years.-Education:...
- 1981–1984 : Robert J. PerrymentRobert J. PerrymentRobert J. Perryment was a former Rector of the University of Aberdeen.-Footnotes:...
- 1985–1988 : Hamish WattHamish WattHamish Watt is a Scottish politician, farmer and writer. The son of William Watt and Caroline Allan, he was educated at Keith Grammar School and at the University of St Andrews, and was involved in dairy and sheep farming and other business interests.He contested Caithness and Sutherland as the...
- 1988–1990 : Willis PickardWillis PickardDr Willis Pickard was editor of the Times Educational Supplement Scotland for twenty two years until he retired in 2001. The University of Edinburgh recognised his contribution by awarding an honorary degree in 2002....
- 1991–1993 : Colin BellColin Bell (journalist)Dr Colin J. Bell is a journalist, broadcaster and author.Colin J. Bell was a journalist, with newspapers including The Scotsman and former editor of The Scots Independent. He made the transition to broadcasting with BBC Radio Scotland in 1984....
- 1993–1996 : Ian Hamilton
- 1996–1998 : Allan MacartneyAllan MacartneyDr Allan Macartney was a Scottish National Party MEP for the North East Scotland constituency between the 1994 European Parliament election and his sudden death from a heart attack in 1998.Born in Africa, the son of a Church of Scotland minister, his family soon returned to Scotland and he was...
(died whilst in office) - 1998–2004 : Clarissa Dickson Wright
- 2005–2008 : Robin HarperRobin HarperRobin Harper FRSSA is a Scottish politician, and was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothians region. He was co-convener of the Scottish Green Party...
- 2008–2011 : Stephen RobertsonScotland the What?Scotland the What? were a Scottish comedy revue act comprising William "Buff" Hardie, Stephen Robertson and George Donald.Buff Hardie and Steve Robertson first met in the Aberdeen Student Show in 1952. George Donald, another University of Aberdeen student, wrote music for the 1954 Student Show, but...
- 2012–2014 : Maitland Mackie