Rector of the University of Aberdeen facts for kids

The Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen is like a special representative for the students at the University of Aberdeen. They are the chairperson in the university's main governing body, called the University Court. Most people just call this person the "Rector". Students at the university get to choose who their Rector will be, and this person serves for three years. Even though this job has been around since 1495, it only officially became the students' representative role in 1860.

This important job also exists at other old universities in Scotland, like St Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The University of Dundee also has a Rector because it used to be connected to St Andrews. The Rector's role is legally supported by a law from 1889. It is the third most important position at the university, after the Chancellor and the Principal. Rectors can also choose a special helper called a Rector's Assessor. This helper can do the Rector's duties when the Rector is not there.

What Does the Rector Do?

The Rector's main job is to represent the students. They make sure students' voices are heard in important university decisions. They lead meetings of the University Court, which is where big choices about the university are made. The Rector helps bridge the gap between students and the university's leaders.

The Rector's Assessor

Each Rector chooses a Rector's Assessor to join the University Court. This person has a permanent spot on the Court while they are in the role. The Rector's Assessor also acts as the Rector's helper when the Rector cannot be present. They work with the president of the Students' Association. They also sit on important committees that plan finances and student affairs. Their role is to be a main contact point for students. They help students talk to the university's decision-makers. They also help manage the Rector's presence both online and on campus.

Who Has Been Rector?

Many important people have served as Rector of the University of Aberdeen over the centuries. This role has been held by poets, politicians, scientists, and even Prime Ministers.

The University of Aberdeen was formed in 1860 by joining two older colleges: King's College and Marischal College. Both of these colleges had their own Rectors before they became one university.

• The current Rector, elected in 2025, is Iona Fyfe.
• Before her, Martina Chukwuma-Ezike served as Rector from 2022 to 2024.
• Other recent Rectors include Maggie Chapman (2015–2021) and Maitland Mackie (2012–2014).

See also

• Aberdeen University Students' Association
• Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen
• Principal of the University of Aberdeen
• Ancient university governance in Scotland