Robert Rollock (1555-1599)
Rollock (or Rollok) was the son of David Rollock, Laird of Powis near Stirling, and Mary Livingston. Educated at Stirling and at St. Salvator's college, St. Andrews where he gained his MA in 1577 and then became a Regent of Philosophy there. During this time he studied theology at St. Mary's College under James Melville, the Hebraist. In 1583 he was invited by the magistrates of Edinburgh to accept 'the office of the Regent of the College' and to provide 'instruction, government and correction of the youth and persons which shall be committed to his charge' in the newly-founded University. The course Rollock introduced was similar to those offered by other institutions, with strong aspects of Ramist logic based on Melville's teachings, with an introduction of human anatomy, which gave it a distinctive flavour for a humanist course. Two years later he was appointed Principal, as other regents had now been appointed.
After 1587, after the first class of students had passed through the arts curriculum, he gave up teaching philosophy and became Professor of Theology, under the sanction of the presbytery and council, with the duty of teaching Divinity to the arts students. It was about this time that he married Helen, daughter of James Baron of Kinnaird. He also began to preach, but not as an ordained minister. It was not until 1598 before he was made a minister of Upper Tolbooth, soon followed by that of Magdalen Church, then afterwards with Greyfriars Church. In 1859 he was elected moderator of the General Assembly, when he had sided with the king on ecclesiastical policy between the Crown and the Church, with many criticising his lack of understanding of Church politics.
More than anything, he was dedicated to the University, saying that it's primary objective "was the formation of character", and took great part in its governance and administration. He developed a course in Arts, then in Divinity, comparable with other institutions of higher learning. He purposely avoided political and religious controversies, as tried to place the University on a higher level to those. On his death-bed, he wished that the University should be a place of spiritual advancement for all, and not of Renaissance scholars; nor should Professors of Law and Medicine be introduced. He also begged that Henry Charteris (1599-1620) be appointed his successor to keep things as they were. His wishes were carried out and the University remained as was for the first hundred years.
Though not an original thinker with regards to religious doctrine, he did publish many commentaries and treatises using Ramist logic; in fact he was the first man in Scotland to publish a commentary on any portion of the Bible. On Rollock's death, Melville produced three sonnets in tribute to him. Note: Rollock died 1598-1599 due to the changing of the calendar.
First Regent, University of Edinburgh, 1583-1585
Principal of the University, 1585-1599
Professor of Theology, 1587
Moderator of the General Assembly, 1597-1599