Now in my fifth year as Provost I have, with regret, taken the view that for personal and family reasons, I should stand down at an appropriate point during the course of the next academic year. The Governing Body is beginning the search for the next Provost and more details, including timings, will be available soon.
I am proud to have served the College during the pandemic and I remain full of respect for the way Fellows, College staff and students responded to one of the most difficult periods the College has experienced in its long history. Together, we worked hard to give students the best possible experience under the circumstances, and to enable the College to emerge strongly in academic, financial and human terms.
Queen’s has a long tradition of excellence in supporting education and research. When I arrived, I said that I wanted to steward that tradition for the future and that has been my aim throughout. As well as remaining fully committed to the College until the moment I step down, I will, of course, do all I can to ensure smooth transfer of knowledge and relationships to my successor. For now, I look forward to continuing to work with you all and enjoying the company of the many wonderful communities that make up Queen’s.
Speaking on behalf of the College’s Governing Body, Senior Fellow Professor Peter Robbins said:
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Claire during her tenure as Provost. The Governing Body is unanimous in thanking her for her unstinting service to the College. Claire steered our community through the very difficult pandemic years with commitment, intelligence and generosity, and the College has benefitted enormously from her leadership. The Governing Body is deeply grateful for her work and companionship.
A fuller tribute will be paid to her many successes in post when the times comes but, for now, we look forward to working with her over the coming months. The Governing Body will start the process to select her successor and arrange an orderly transition.”
