Rector of the University of Dundee facts for kids

Mark Beaumont, a former Rector of the University of Dundee

The Rector of the University of Dundee is like a special representative chosen by the students of the University of Dundee. Since 1967, when the university became independent, the Rector has been an important part of the University Court, which is the main group that runs the university.

The Rector can either be a full member of the University Court themselves, or they can pick someone else (called an assessor) to represent them and vote on their behalf. If the Rector doesn't join the Court, they can still see all the papers and go to meetings, but they can't vote.

Right now, the Rector is Keith Harris, who used to be a student at the university. He was chosen in 2021, taking over from broadcaster Jim Spence. Besides their official duties, the Rector's main job is to speak up for the students who elected them. A new Rector is chosen every three years. They are officially welcomed in a special ceremony soon after they are elected.

History of the Rector's Role

The job of a Rector has a very long history in Scotland's older universities. It's one of the oldest leadership roles in Scottish education. Today, this role is still found in Scotland's ancient universities and at the University of Dundee. This is because the University of Dundee took on some of the traditions from the University of St Andrews when it became independent.

The modern Rector role was officially made legal by a law called the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889. Before 1967, the University of Dundee was part of the University of St Andrews. It was known as Queen's College, Dundee, or University College, Dundee. So, before Dundee became its own university, the rector of the University of St Andrews was the Rector for all its colleges, including the one that would become the University of Dundee.

When the University of Dundee became independent in 1967, the role of its own Rector was created. The university's official rulebook, called the Royal Charter, says: "There shall be a Rector of the University who shall be elected by the matriculated students of the University in such manner and for such period as may be prescribed by the Statutes."

Since 1967, there have been thirteen Rectors at the University of Dundee. Three of them served two terms in a row. There's a fun story (though maybe not entirely true!) that a hamster was once nominated for the job. It supposedly "accepted" by putting its paw print on the papers! However, the university didn't allow it, saying they couldn't be sure the hamster truly agreed. This story might come from a real event in 1971 when a goat named Mervyn was nominated. Mervyn wasn't allowed to stand in the official election. But students held their own unofficial election, and Mervyn was allowed to run. He didn't win, but he did beat a journalist named Paul Foot for third place!

What the Rector Does Today

The Rector's job is similar across all the ancient universities of Scotland. Rectors are found at the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St Andrews. Together, these Rectors form a group called the Scottish Rectors Group.

Rectors can also choose a "rector's assessor." This person can help with the Rector's duties if the Rector is away. Sometimes, the assessor does most of the work. For example, during the terms of Lorraine Kelly or Tony Slattery, their assessors often handled many of the Rector's tasks. Lorraine Kelly was also known for helping with many fundraising and charity events for the university.

How Rectors are Chosen and Welcomed

To become a Rector, a person needs to be nominated by fifty students. Before the election, the Students' Association usually holds a debate called the "Hecklings." Here, all the people nominated get to explain why they should be chosen. On election day, the nominees often visit the university campus to ask for last-minute support, helped by a team of students. An official from the university organizes the election.

If two candidates get the same number of votes, the Chancellor of the university makes the final decision. People who work at the University of Dundee or students from other universities cannot stand for Rector. The election usually happens in January or February, unless the current Rector steps down early. The exact date is decided by the university and the Students' Association.

The official welcoming ceremony, called the installation, usually takes place a few months after the election. In the past, this ceremony was held in a large hall in the city center. More recently, it has been held in the university's own Bonar Hall. The Chancellor of the university (or the Vice-Chancellor if the Chancellor isn't available) officially welcomes the new Rector. The president of the Students' Association then introduces the Rector to the students. After meeting with the city's leader, the Rector is traditionally "dragged" in the university's carriage from the city center to the university by one of the sports teams. They often stop at local pubs for drinks along the way!

List of Rectors

Sir Peter Ustinov, a famous actor and former Rector

1968 – Peter Ustinov

Served two terms Peter Ustinov was a famous actor, writer, and diplomat. He was the very first Rector of the newly independent University of Dundee. He was first chosen in February 1968 after a lively campaign. He won with 489 votes. Ustinov chose Brigadier F.A. Hibberd as his assessor. As Rector, Ustinov made the role more active, even talking with students who were protesting. In 1971, he just barely won re-election against broadcaster Michael Parkinson. A room in the university's Bonar Hall is named after Ustinov, and it has a sculpture of him. The university also gave him an honorary law degree in 1969.

1974 – Clement Freud, MP

Served two terms. Clement Freud was a writer, broadcaster, and politician. He later became a knight. He was also elected Rector of the University of St Andrews later on.

1980 – Lord Mackie of Benshie

Lord Mackie of Benshie was a politician. He was elected Rector in 1980. Another politician, Sir Teddy Taylor, pulled out of the race at the last minute.

1983 – Gordon Wilson, MP

Gordon Wilson was a Member of Parliament for Dundee East and the leader of the Scottish National Party. He spoke out against government cuts to education at the time. Gordon Wilson received an honorary law degree from the university in 1986.

1986 – Malcolm Bruce, MP

Malcolm Bruce was a politician. He was also the president of the Liberal Club at the University of St Andrews.

1989 – Paul Henderson Scott

Paul Henderson Scott was a Scottish writer and historian, and a long-time member of the Scottish National Party.

1992 – Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry, a well-known comedian and author

Served two terms. Stephen Fry is a famous comedian, author, actor, and filmmaker. When he gave his speech as Rector, he called it "Think of a lobster." He encouraged students not to get too caught up in everyday worries. He reportedly turned down a similar offer from the University of St Andrews to be their Rector. The main bar in the Students' Association building is named after his book The Liar. Fry also received an honorary law degree from the university in 1995.

1998 – Tony Slattery

Tony Slattery is an actor and comedian. He found some of the public events and demands of being Rector difficult. He eventually stopped attending the University Court meetings. He chose Jason Wassell as his assessor, who then spoke for him on many university matters.

2001 – Fred MacAulay

Fred MacAulay is a Scottish comedian and radio presenter. He actually studied accountancy at the University of Dundee! He won against several other people, including TV presenter Richard Whiteley. David Hasselhoff was also nominated but couldn't accept because he could only visit the university once a year. MacAulay received an honorary law degree from the university in 2005.

2004 – Lorraine Kelly

Lorraine Kelly, a popular TV presenter

Lorraine Kelly is a well-known television presenter. She won the election against Lesley Riddoch and David Shayler. Lorraine Kelly was given an honorary law degree by the university in 2008.

2007 – Craig Murray

Craig Murray is a former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan. He is also a graduate of the University of Dundee and was president of the Students' Association twice. He resigned from his ambassador job because he disagreed with the government about certain issues. Murray won the election against former Scotland rugby captain Andy Nicol.

During his installation speech, Craig Murray talked about education in Scotland and making the university better for students. The university's Senate (another important group) did not give Murray the usual honorary degree that Rectors receive, saying he was not a "distinguished individual."

2010 – Brian Cox

Brian Cox is a famous film and stage actor from Dundee. He also helped raise money for a new science center at the university. Cox won the election with many votes, beating Robin Harper and Nikolai Zhelev. Brian Cox was re-elected without anyone running against him in 2013. He had already received an honorary law degree from the university in 1993.

2016 – Mark Beaumont

In January 2016, it was announced that cyclist Mark Beaumont had been elected Rector without anyone running against him. He took over from Brian Cox.

2019 – Jim Spence

In February 2019, broadcaster Jim Spence was chosen as the new Rector. Spence, who studied law at the university, said he was "surprised" but "deeply honored." In March 2021, he announced he would step down as Rector. He explained that changes in his other work meant he couldn't spend enough time supporting students.

2021 – Keith Harris

A special election was held in November 2021 to find a new Rector after Jim Spence stepped down. Artist's Manager Keith Harris won the election. Harris is a former student of the university and used to be president of the Dundee University Students' Association. He said he wanted to make sure all students had a good experience at the university.