The Office star Brian Baumgartner up for high-profile university job

If you know him only as the weird, taciturn accountant Kevin in the US version of The Office, you would probably not want Brian Baumgartner fighting your corner.

Yet, in an unlikely turn of events, the American actor is in the running to be the next rector of St Andrews University.

The 53-year old is a keen golfer – with his own podcast about the sport – which may be why he is keen to take the job representing students in the game’s spiritual home.

His pitch to students who elect the rector reads: ‘His award-winning acting career has brought laughter to students in St Andrews as well as fans around the globe. With experience on stage, television, and behind the scenes, Brian knows how to communicate and will bring his warm and fun personality to St Andrews. A storyteller by trade, he knows how to speak for you and will elevate your voice to be heard by the University. 

‘This summer, Brian visited St Andrews and fell in love with the town’s culture and history, not just the golf.

‘If elected, he would continue the storied tradition of comics and performers serving as rector, engaging with students, and bringing his humour and love for St Andrews to the role. He would be honoured to be your rector and represent you on court.’

Previous rectors have included John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Nicholas Parsons and Alan Coren.

The current rector, former St Andrew’s student Stella Maris, has proved a controversial choice having twice been removed – and twice reinstated – first for referring to Israel’s actions in Gaza as ‘genocidal’ and secondly for rejecting the ‘obligations of collective responsibility’, under which members of the university’s governing team are supposed to act as one, even if they privately disagree.

Also on the ballot paper this time are Dr Arthur Bernhoff, an expert in International security; Mark Brunner, chief revenue officer at a tech firm; Scottish Greens MSP and Maris ally Dr Q Mannivannan, foundation year 1 medic Dr Conor Philip; and student doctor Edison Yau. All are alumni except Burnner, who is father of a St Andrews graduate.

Voting will take place next Thursday and Friday.

Published: 9 Oct 2026