Dalhousie (1977–1992)
Sir James W. Black (1992–2006)
Narendra Patel, Baron Patel (2006–2017)
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (2018–2023)
Baron George Robertson (2023-)
==== Rector ====
The rector of the university is an official elected by the matriculated students of the university for a three-year term. In common with other university rectors in Scotland, the position is largely ceremonial, although it does involve the representation of students on the University Court. The rector at Dundee, unlike that of the ancient universities, does not chair the University Court, that duty instead falling to a lay member. The rector may appoint an assessor who can carry out the rector's functions on their behalf when they are absent. The university gained national attention in 2001 when it seemed that actor David Hasselhoff may stand as rector.
As part of the process of installation, the students traditionally take the new rector on the 'rectorial drag' which involves them being 'dragged' from Dundee City Chambers to the university in the university's own carriage visiting on the way some of the many pubs in the city as part of the informal welcome to the university.
The present holder of the position is Maggie Chapman MSP, who was elected and took up the post in 2025. She replaced artist manager, Keith Harris, who in turn replaced sports broadcaster Jim Spence, who was installed in 2019 but did not serve a full term partly due to changes in personal circumstances as a result of COVID-19. Prior to Spence, the rector was Mark Beaumont, the record-breaking endurance cyclist.
Previous Rectors since the university's independence have included Sir Peter Ustinov, Sir Clement Freud, and Stephen Fry, who each served two terms, and Craig Murray, Tony Slattery, Lorraine Kelly and Fred MacAulay, who each served one.
==== Principal and Vice-Chancellor ====
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer of the university, presiding over the Senatus Academicus. As a result of their title as Vice-Chancellor, …
