DURHAM University’s new Vice-Chancellor and Warden has taken up the post, eight months after it was announced she would be taking over the role.

Professor Karen O’Brien becomes the 25th Vice-Chancellor and the first female to hold the prominent administrative position in the university’s near 200-year history.

She comes to Durham after five years leading Oxford University,’s Humanities Division.

Prior to joining Oxford, she was Vice-Principal (Education) at King’s College London.

Prof O’Brien has also held a number of national and international leadership roles, including serving on the international jury of the Institut Universitaire de France and as chair of the Russell Group Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Teaching and Learning.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Honorary Fellow of Peterhouse, at Cambridge University, and of St Cross College, at Oxford, she has published widely on the literature and intellectual history of the Enlightenment.

Prof O’Brien is a familiar voice and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and other media networks.

She succeeds Professor Antony Long, who served as Acting Vice-Chancellor from August last year, following the retirement of Professor Stuart Corbridge.

Professor Long now returns to his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost.

Speaking on starting in her new role, Professor O’Brien said: “I am excited to begin work at Durham University.

“I will endeavour to enhance our strengths as a leading university, renowned for the excellence and impact of its research, the quality of its education and student support, and the richness of its student experience.

“I aim to build on our partnerships to increase the social benefit that Durham brings to the region, the UK and the world.”

She said she was “very mindful” of the challenges and pressures staff and students are facing in many areas, and of the need for support and resilience working towards better times.

“I look forward to consulting and working with our staff, students, alumni and friends as we take our great university forward towards its 200th anniversary in 2032 as a global community of learning.”

Joe Docherty, chair of Durham University’s governing Council, said: “Professor O’Brien is an exceptional leader with a distinguished track-record in the university sector.

“Her depth and breadth of understanding and forward thinking will help her to lead Durham University to even greater success.”

He thanked Prof Long for his “outstanding work”, filling in as Acting Vice-Chancellor and Warden since August.

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