The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell

The Rt Hon Lord Jack 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 became a Vice-President for Unicef UK in 2015.

Lord McConnell received the degree of Doctor of the University in October 2008, in recognition of his contribution to public affairs.

After graduating in Mathematics with Education, he taught Mathematics in local high schools between 1983 and 1992.

During his time as an undergraduate student at the University of Stirling, Lord McConnell served as President of the Students’ Union – from 1980-82 – as well as National Union of Students Scotland Vice-President, from 1982-83.

Between 1984 and 1993 he served as a Labour Councillor for Logie Ward on Stirling Council and as leader of Stirling District Council from 1990 to 1992. This culminated in him serving as First Minister of Scotland, before being appointed to the House of Lords.

He was the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Peacebuilding from 2008 to 2010.

Lord McConnell is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the McConnell International Foundation. He is involved as an ambassador, patron and board member of several international and UK-based non-government organisations.

In 2013, Lord McConnell’s political papers – ranging from early election leaflets to diaries from his period as First Minister – were received by the Scottish Political Archive, based at the University.

Lord McConnell’s installation as Chancellor took place at the University’s summer degree ceremonies in June 2019.