rectors

Rector is a title used in several organizations to designate the senior official responsible for overall leadership. The word derives from the Latin rectus, meaning "ruler" or "guide." In modern usage it most often refers to heads of universities or parishes, but it also appears in civil administration and other institutions.

In higher education, the rector is typically the highest executive officer of a university. Responsibilities commonly include strategic planning, budgeting, external representation, and oversight of academic and administrative affairs. The exact powers and method of selection vary by country: some systems elect the rector, others appoint them by the university board or government. In some places the role is primarily ceremonial, with day-to-day management handled by other officials. The title often corresponds to roles such as president, chancellor, or vice-chancellor.

In ecclesiastical use, rector denotes a cleric in charge of a parish or church and its endowments. In Catholic and Anglican traditions the rector is responsible for spiritual care and for administering parish assets and duties; in some contexts a vicar may serve as the rector’s representative. The precise rights and responsibilities can differ based on canon law, local custom, and the relationship to bishops or parish trustees.

Outside religious and academic contexts, rector appears in civil administration in some countries—as a state official overseeing education at the regional level. The scope and authority of the title thus vary widely by jurisdiction and institution.