Professor Jane Shaw to become Gresham College’s new Provost

We are delighted to announce that Professor Jane Shaw has been appointed as the sixth Provost of Gresham College and will take up the role in December 2025.

Professor Shaw has been Principal of Harris Manchester College and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford for the last seven years, roles from which she retires at the end of September. She will continue to hold the position of Professor of the History of Religion at the University of Oxford.

Her books include Miracles in Enlightenment England (2006); Octavia, Daughter of God: The Story of a Female Messiah and her Followers (2011); and the co-authored Gen Z, Explained: The Art of Living in a Digital Age (2021).

For the coming academic year, she has been awarded a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship to complete her book Seeking Infinity: Mystics in the Modern World (forthcoming with Penguin Allen Lane).

Richard Smith, Executive Director of Gresham College, said: “We are delighted that Professor Shaw is joining Gresham College as our Provost.

“We were seeking a truly exceptional candidate with the necessary academic reputation and leadership skills to build on the 400-year tradition of Gresham College, while developing innovative ideas to realise its vision, mission, and values.

“Professor Shaw will bring her experience and expertise to guide our academic offering, ensuring we can continue to host high quality and free lectures in the heart of the City of London.”

Professor Shaw said: “I am delighted to be appointed the next Provost. Gresham College has a long and distinguished history of providing the highest quality education to lifelong learners, which I deeply value. I look forward to working with the Executive Director, the College Council and all my new colleagues to continue this exceptional tradition.”

Professor Shaw will take over the position from Acting Provost Professor Sarah Hart, who remains in the role until December 2025.