Why is a US office star in running to be St Andrews university next rector?

A star of the US office is in the running to be the next rector of St Andrews University.

Brian Baumgartner, who plays Kevin Malone in the US version of the hit UK comedy, has been named as one of six candidates to take over from Stella Maris.

Maris was appointed as rector in November 2023 for a three-year term.

According to the university, Baumgartner visited St Andrews in the summer and fell in love with the town’s culture and history.

If elected, the 53-year-old promises to “bring his humour and love for St Andrews” to the role.

Previous notable rectors include authors JM Barrie and Rudyard Kipling, and actor John Cleese.

Dr Arthur Bernhoff, an alumnus of the university, is also in the running and “wants to give back to the university that gave him so much”

Mark Brunner, the father of a St Andrews graduate, who has served as a guest lecturer, is also contesting and promises to “open doors, bring the right people together and help get things moving”.

Dr Q Manivannan, a trans MSP elected earlier this year who attended the university, is in the running, saying “student and staff unions deserve support”.

Graduates Dr Conor Philip and Dr Edison Yau are also contesting, with Dr Phillip’s priorities set on “student life beyond the classroom”.

While Dr Yau is “not running to add another title to a CV”, but to focus on being accessible to students.

Voting will take place on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, and all students who matriculated before Wednesday, October 7 will be invited to vote for their preferred candidate.