The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell

The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell is Chancellor of the University of Stirling. His installation took place at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies in 2019, and he is currently in his second term as Chancellor.

Lord McConnell has a long-standing connection with the University, having graduated from Stirling with a degree in Mathematics with Education in 1983. During his time as a student, he served as Student President (1980-1982), and as National Union of Students Scotland Vice-President (1982-83). He went on to teach Mathematics in local high schools (1983-1992), and held roles as Councillor for Logie Ward on Stirling Council (1984-1993), and Honorary President of the Students’ Union (1988 and 1992).

Lord McConnell served as First Minister of Scotland between 2001 and 2007, before being appointed to the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale in 2010. He was the UK Special Representative for Peacebuilding from 2008 to 2010.

Lord McConnell is Chair of the UK/Japan 21st Century Group and Chair of the McConnell International Foundation. He has served with many organisations supporting conflict prevention, international development and vulnerable young people, and is currently Vice President of UNICEF UK, an Ambassador with Action for Children, and a Champion for the Global Partnership for Education. He has a keen interest in sport and is Honorary President of Scottish Athletics and Chair of the Commonwealth Games Scotland Endowment Fund.

He received the degree of Doctor of the University in 2008, in recognition of his contribution to public affairs, and in 2013, records documenting Lord McConnell’s time in politics were catalogued by the Scottish Political Archive, based at the University.