Kenneth Alexander (economist) facts for kids

Sir Kenneth John Wilson Alexander FRSE (born March 14, 1922, died March 27, 2001) was an important Scottish economist. He also managed universities. He was well-known for his work with Scotland's steel and shipbuilding companies.

Early Life and Education

Kenneth Alexander was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was William Wilson Alexander. Kenneth earned a scholarship to attend George Heriot's School.

After serving in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, he went to college. He studied at the Bonar College of Economics in Dundee. This college was part of University College, Dundee. He graduated with top honors in 1949.

He then did more research at Leeds University from 1949 to 1951. After that, he taught at Sheffield University until 1956. He then moved to teach at Aberdeen University.

Career as an Economist

In 1963, Kenneth Alexander became the first Professor of Economics at Strathclyde University. He held this position until 1980. In 1964, he gave an important speech. It was called the Marlow (Scotland) Lecture. He spoke about 'Casual Labour and Labour Casualties'.

The government asked him to lead a study. This study looked at the future of adult education in Scotland. His report was published in 1975. It was titled Adult Education: The Challenge of Change. The report suggested a new approach. It wanted to connect adult education with youth and community work. This would help more people learn throughout their lives. This led to new community education services.

Helping Industries in Scotland

In the 1960s, Sir Kenneth helped solve problems in Glasgow's shipyards. He worked with several shipbuilding companies. These included Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, Govan Shipbuilders, and Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company. He helped these companies by making agreements. These agreements gave workers steady jobs. In return, the workers agreed to new ways of working. He also played a key role in trying to save the Ravenscraig steelworks.

In 1976, he became the Chairman of the Highlands & Islands Development Board. He held this role until 1980. This board helps develop the economy in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. He was also a director for Scottish Television. He also worked with the Stakis Organisation. He chaired a committee on adult education. In this role, he wrote the Alexander Report in 1976. He was also the Chairman of the Edinburgh Book Festival from 1987 to 1991.

University Leadership

Sir Kenneth left Strathclyde University in 1981. He became the Principal of Stirling University. He was in this role until 1986. After that, he became the Chancellor of Aberdeen University. He served as Chancellor from 1986 to 1996.

While at Aberdeen, he helped create the Elphinstone Institute. This institute studies the culture of north-east Scotland. From 1993 to 1996, he was the Vice-president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In September 1995, he received an honorary doctorate. This was from Heriot-Watt University.

Sir Kenneth Alexander passed away on March 27, 2001. He had been ill for a long time.

Family Life

Kenneth Alexander married Angela May Lane in 1949. They had one son and four daughters together.