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Lady Elish Angiolini to retire as Principal in September 2025

The Principal of St Hugh’s College, The Rt Hon Lady Elish Angiolini LT DBE KC, has advised the Governing Body that she will be retiring from her role as Head of the College in September 2025.

Lady Elish has led St Hugh’s since September 2012, and oversaw the fundraising and opening of the new Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building in 2014, as well as the significant increase in the College’s endowment. She has been a tireless ambassador for the College and has devoted her unique energy, wisdom and kindness to strengthening the positive culture for students, Fellows, staff and alumni that makes St Hugh’s so special.

Elish will continue to lead the College for the next year and a half, and has chosen to notify the Governing Body of her retirement early to allow time for the selection and appointment of her successor.

Lady Elish said: ‘It has been an immense privilege and a great joy to have been Principal of St Hugh’s College over the last 12 years. I very much look forward to continuing in the role until I retire in September 2025.’

Speaking on behalf of the Governing Body, the Vice Principal, Professor Joshua Getzler, said: ‘Lady Elish has been a warm friend to Fellows, staff, students, and alumni, encouraging us with her great enthusiasm and curiosity. As Principal she has vigorously promoted our core values of freedom of debate and inquiry. This is a great legacy.’

Photo Credit: Ian Wallman