New Principal for Homerton College

Professor Ward is currently Vice Principal for Students and Staff at Royal Holloway College, University of London where he previously served as Dean of Arts. Prior to that he was Professor of English and Head of Department at the University of Dundee before taking on the role of Deputy Principal.

He started his university career at Cambridge as a Scholar studying English at Clare where he obtained a first and subsequently taught for several Cambridge colleges. An expert on American literature, he has written a number of books as well as a novel, published poems and given talks on Radio 3.

Professor Ward said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking up the role of Principal of Homerton. The College has long been known as a welcoming and supportive environment for study. Working with Fellows, staff and students I aim to build on its traditions as well as the great achievements of recent years to ensure that it is recognised ever more widely as a first-class place for study, teaching and research”.

Homerton’s Vice Principal, Professor John Gray, who led the Fellows’ nation-wide search for Dr. Pretty’s successor, said: “Some extremely distinguished and talented people expressed interest in leading Homerton. In Geoff Ward we believe we have found someone who combines a deep understanding of research and academic life with significant practical experience of teaching and the challenges of institutional development”.

Commenting on Dr. Pretty’s leadership over the past two decades Professor Gray added: “When I arrived at Homerton back in the early 1990s it was on the brink, unclear about its future. Twenty years on it is now one of Cambridge University’s largest colleges with a sizeable Fellowship and a great deal of purpose-built accommodation offering some one thousand students a top-notch environment for their studies. As Cambridge’s newest college there is always more to be done but Kate’s successor can be assured of solid foundations. The last two decades have been a remarkable journey led by a truly remarkable woman”.