Arthur Bernoff Elected Rector

Following an election that drew record numbers of student voting, Dr Arthur Bernoff has been appointed the University of St Andrews’ 56th Rector.

In addition to Dr Bernoff, five candidates had been nominated for the rector role. The list included Brian Baumgartner — best known for his role as Kevin Malone on the NBC sitcom The Office — guest lecturer and business leader Mark Brunner, recently graduated doctor Conor Philip, medicine graduate Edison Yau, and Scottish Parliament member Dr Q Manivannan. According to the University, turnout was just below 45 per cent — almost double the turnout of the last rectorial election in 2023. 

In total, 5,425 votes were cast, with Dr Bernoff finishing first with 1,831 votes, Baumgartner in second with 1,109, Dr Manivannan in third with 962, Brunner in fourth with 801, Yau in fifth with 382, and Dr Philip in sixth with 140. Additionally, 200 votes were cast to reopen nominations. 

Dr Bernoff, a graduate, will officially enter into his new role as Rector on 1 November. He will take over from Stella Maris, who was elected as rector in 2023. Maris, who had voiced intentions to run again as rector, was not present on the ballot due to the invalidity of her nomination.

While at St Andrews, Dr Bernoff had obtained a PhD in International Relations, having previously completed a BA in International Security and Conflict Resolution as well as an MSc in Homeland Security. Throughout his campaign, Dr Bernhoff highlighted his doctoral research, which included living in Lebanon for several years and traveling to other areas of the Middle East. Currently, Bernoff holds an analytical role with the Ministry of Defence and  additionally serves  at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as a Deployable Civilian Expert. 

“As a proud alumni, it has been a great pleasure and privilege to reconnect [with St Andrews],” Dr Bernoff stated in a reflection on his campaign.  

“I intend to be a proactive Rector, accessible to all students of our vastly diverse student body,” he continued, pledging to be “present, listening, and effective” in his new role.

Image Courtest of University of St Andrews