Principal Robert Rollock | |
|---|---|
 Robert Rollock, Principal of the University of Edinburgh | |
| Church | Church of Scotland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1555 Powis, Scotland |
| Died | 8 or 9 February 1599 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh |
Robert Rollock (c. 1555 – 8 or 9 February 1599) was Scottish academic and minister in the Church of Scotland, and the first regent and first principal of the University of Edinburgh. Born into a noble family, he distinguished himself during his education at the University of St Andrews, which led to him being appointed regent of the newly created college in Edinburgh in 1583, and its first principal in 1586.
After the college had grown and other regents had been appointed, Rollock no longer had to perform everyday teaching, and he became the university's first Professor of Theology. In parallel to his academic duties, he acted as a minister and served in various church functions until his death in 1599. Rollock was acknowledged by his contemporaries as a prolific academic and Biblical scholar, and effective principal.