Sir James Donaldson

Sir James Donaldson

Sir James Donaldson was a dedicated St Andrews principal, classical scholar, and political advocate.  When he started working at the University, he was not very popular and many disliked his active involvement in liberal politics and Scottish nationalism. His popularity grew, however, as he masterly steered the University in a new direction at a time when it experienced great expansion and change. One such element of change was women's admission into the University in 1892. Donaldson was supportive of women's admission, something that later lead him towards the study of women in antiquity.

greatthinkers,womensta,womenofstandrews

1831

kn52

Organisation

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He was born in Aberdeen and went to Aberdeen grammar school 1842-46. He then attended Marischal College, Aberdeen before he became the protégé of John Stuart Blackie. He was married and widowed twice. First to Margaret Kennedy which he had to sons and later on to Mary Christie (nee Webster). He was the Vice-Chancellor and principal of the University of St Andrews from 1886 until 1915. He was knighted for his contribution to scholarship and academia in 1907.

Most known for his work "Critical History of Christian Literature and Doctrine from the Death of the Apostles to the Nicene Council" and his lectures on the History of Education in Prussia and England.

1915

Sir James Donaldson was heavily and actively involved with liberal politics which did cause some controversy around him. He had a unique view of education and an unconventional teaching style. He was described as ‘gentle and kindly disposition and the thoroughness of his methods’.