Principal announces retirement in September 2025

Our Principal, Professor Jane Shaw, has advised the College’s Governing Body of her decision to retire as head of the College in September 2025. She has chosen to notify the Governing Body of her retirement now to allow plenty of time for the search for, and selection of, her successor. 
 
Professor Shaw came to HMC from Stanford University in 2018. An inspiring leader, she has overseen many significant developments in the College: increased financial stability and a significant increase in the College’s endowment; a period of academic excellence (the College has moved up to 3rd in the Norrington Table during her tenure); and the creation of the College’s strategy to become sustainable in all ways. In keeping with the College’s focus on mature student learning, she has founded, in collaboration with the Rhodes Trust, an innovative new programme, Oxford Next Horizons. Under her watch, our alumni engagement has flourished in new ways, and several important lectures and arts programmes have been founded or revived, thereby ensuring our College stays true to its radical roots of engagement with the philosophical, cultural and religious issues of the day. 
 
Professor Shaw will be returning to academic life, and will remain as Professor of the History of Religion in the University. 
 
Professor Shaw commented: “It has been a privilege and pleasure to lead Harris Manchester College, which is a special community with a unique place in the university. We have all achieved many things together, and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues and students over the next eighteen months, and achieving much more together.”
 
The Vice-Principal, Professor Jan de Neve, said of Professor Shaw's tenure as Principal: "Harris Manchester owes Jane Shaw an enormous debt of gratitude. Jane works tirelessly in the College’s interest, promoting our unique mission in mature student education within the University and to the wider world. She is an inspiring leader, developing creative plans for our present and future development in a way that respects our values and traditions. Above all, she is a kind and supportive colleague, encouraging others in their academic work and professional development. I look forward to continuing to work with her over the next 18 months, and to wishing her well when she embarks on the next stage of her career."