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29th May 2015

Irish Professor To Become First Female To Lead Oxford University

“I feel enormously privileged."

Her

Irish Professor Louise Richardson has been nominated as Oxford University’s first ever female vice-chancellor.

Professor Richardson, who was born in Waterford and completed her BA in Trinity College Dubin, is currently principal at St. Andrew’s University and is set to begin her new role at the start of next year, subject to the approval of the Congregation.

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 13:  Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) is seen with St Andrews University principal and vice-chancellor Professor Louise Richardson (R) in St Salvators Quad at St Andrews University on September 13, 2013 in St Andrews, Scotland. Mrs Clinton is receiving an honorary doctor of law degree from St Andrews University, which is marking its 600th anniversary of the founding of Scotland's oldest university.  (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Hillary Clinton (L) pictured with Prof. Louise Richardson (R).

The nominating committee, led by Oxford’s chancellor Lord Patton of Barnes, stated that the panel had been “deeply impressed” by Professor Richardson’s commitment to the values of the university.

She will be the first female holder of the post since the first leader was appointed in 1230.

“Oxford is one of the world’s great universities,” Prof. Richardson said.

GLENROTHES, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 25: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Kate Middleton sits alongside Professor Louise Richardson (Principal and Vice-Chancellor) as she visits the University of St Andrews as part of it's 600th anniversary celebrations at University of St Andrews on February 25, 2011 in Glenrothes, Scotland. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)
Kate Middleton sits alongside Prof. Louise Richardson.

“I feel enormously privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this remarkable institution during an exciting time for higher education.”

Along with her BA in History from TCD, Prof. Richardson also holds an MA in Political Science from the University of California, and an MA and PhD in Government from Harvard University.