Mathematical teaching and research at the University of St Andrews began in 1668 with the appointment of James Gregory as the first holder of the Regius Chair of Mathematics. He was proposed for the chair by his friend Robert Moray, a graduate of St Andrews and member of the Royal Society. Moray together with Archbishop Sharp of St Andrews persuaded King Charles II to found the professorship.

1668-1674	James Gregory
1674-1688	William Sanders
1689-1690	James Fenton
1690-1707	vacant
1707-1739	Charles Gregory
1739-1765	David Gregory
1765-1807	Nicolas Vilant
1807-1809	vacant
1809-1820	Robert Haldane
1820-1858	Thomas Duncan
1857-1858	John Couch Adams
1859-1877	William L F Fischer
1877-1879	George Chrystal
1879-1921	Peter Redford Scott Lang
1921-1950	Herbert Westren Turnbull
1950-1969	Edward Thomas Copson
1970-1997	John Mackintosh Howie
1997-2015	vacant
2015-2017	Igor Rivin
2017-present	Kenneth Falconer