New Principal appointed at Heythrop College

Professor Claire Ozanne

The Governing Body of Heythrop College has appointed Professor Claire Ozanne as the new Principal.

Professor Ozanne, Deputy Provost at the University of Roehampton, joins as Principal of Heythrop on a two-year part-time secondment. Prof Ozanne will take overall responsibility for the management of the College and delivery of its mission.

Her responsibilities will include overseeing the College's orderly closure, due to take place at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year, while exploring any opportunities for staff at the College. Over the next two years, she will maintain Heythrop's commitment to research and teaching excellence and provision of a first-class experience for its students.

Professor Ozanne takes over from Father Michael Holman SJ, who announced he was stepping down as the Principal of Heythrop College in July 2016.

Prof Ozanne commented: "I am delighted to join such a respected institution with its rich history. For over 400 years, Heythrop has been one of Britain's leading international centres of excellence for Philosophy and Theology, producing outstanding research which benefits the community and educating students who have global impact. This will continue with the same commitment and drive for the next two years."

The Chair of Governors, Tamsin Eastwood, said: "We are delighted to welcome Professor Ozanne to the College. We are all looking forward to working with her as we all continue to focus on providing our students with the best possible learning experience and to protect the faith, culture and values of the College. We would also like to thank Fr Holman for his outstanding service to the college over the past five years. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of students and staff and is held in the highest esteem at the College and by the wider community."

Upon leaving the College, Fr Holman said: "For the past five years, it has been my great privilege to work with a dedicated team of governors, of academic and professional support staff and with our wonderful students. I shall miss them all. I wish Professor Ozanne every success in her new role".

The final cohorts of undergraduate and postgraduate students are expected to complete their studies in the summer of 2018 and the Heythrop College will then close as soon as its responsibilities have been fully discharged.