Appointment of high-profile journalist to top role at College.
At a time when access to elite institutions has become such a hot political topic; and when women are still earning substantially less than men for similar jobs, I cannot think of a more exciting place to be working.
Jackie Ashley
Lucy Cavendish College has announced the election of Jackie Ashley as the new President, from Autumn 2015.
The seven-year appointment will allow Ms Ashley to lead the college, one of the prime institutions championing the education of women, into its next phase after a highly successful first 50 years, says the college.
Ms Ashley, 60, has been a high-profile political journalist and commentator for ITN, Channel 4 News, the BBC, the New Statesman and the Guardian. She also sits on a number of boards, including University College London Hospitals' Biomedical Research Council, Birkbeck College, University of London's Centre for the Study of Politics, and Women in Sport.
She said: “All my working life, I have been campaigning for better rights for women. I've been involved in campaigns for equal pay, carers, older women, and on health issues: I could not be more delighted to take up the challenge of leading this outstanding college.
“Lucy Cavendish College was founded 50 years ago by some remarkable women research academics, one of whom was a computing pioneer. Its mission has been to broaden access to top-quality university education, and to provide women over 21 with the opportunity to achieve their academic ambitions and fulfill their potential.
“At a time when access to elite institutions has become such a hot political topic; and when women are still earning substantially less than men for similar jobs, I cannot think of a more exciting place to be working. There is nowhere quite like Lucy Cavendish College. I am proud to be becoming its leader and champion."
Dr Isobel Maddison, Vice-President of Lucy Cavendish College, said: “We are delighted Jackie Ashley is joining the College as its 8th President in October 2015. She is a worthy successor to Professor Janet Todd OBE who continues to lead the College with energy and commitment. Jackie is enthusiastic about the work of Lucy Cavendish.
“Her experience and dynamism will be invaluable throughout the period of her appointment. We are confident Jackie will be an inspirational and successful President and are very much looking forward to working with her.”