Professor Christine Gerrard has been elected to serve as Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, succeeding Professor Stephen Blyth, who will step down at the end of September.
Photo of Professor Christine Gerrard by John Cairns
Professor Gerrard will take up the position on 1 October 2025, and will lead the College through the coming years as we look ahead to our 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2028-29.
Professor Gerrard brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Principal during the 2021-22 academic year. A member of LMH for over three decades, she first joined the College in 1988 as a Domus Fellow before being appointed Fellow and Tutor in English in 1990, teaching and inspiring many generations of students.
Since 2023, Professor Gerrard has been Director of The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH), one of the world’s leading centres for interdisciplinary research in the Humanities. In this role, she has played a pivotal part in preparations for the Humanities Division’s forthcoming move into the University’s new £150m Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, which will open at the start of October 2025.
Speaking of her appointment, Professor Gerrard said: “It is an honour to have been elected to lead LMH during such an exciting and pivotal period in the College’s history. As we approach our 150th anniversary and prepare to publicly launch an ambitious fundraising campaign to secure LMH’s future, I look forward to working with our students, staff, alumni and friends to ensure the College continues to thrive and to grow in new and exciting ways.”
“LMH is a truly special place which nurtures excellence in a supportive and tranquil setting. The sense of community and collegiality that we offer to each and every student, coupled with the dedication and support of committed tutors, makes LMH truly unique. I’ve been here for many years, and every day I find new things to excite me about our students, colleagues and our future. Over the next four years I will focus on making the 150th Campaign a resounding success, in order to secure for the long term the academic excellence, pioneering spirit of inclusivity, and steady support – both financial and academic – that enable our students to thrive and excel."
LMH Vice-Principal Professor Todd Huffman said: “I’d like to congratulate Professor Gerrard on her election as Principal. I have developed the highest regard for her as a colleague during the 27 years I have been at LMH. I know we will benefit hugely from her wisdom and experience as we look ahead to the future, and I’m looking forward to working with her in the years ahead.”
