Rector Roe reviews events of Michaelmas Term 2024
I am often asked about my first impressions of Exeter – particularly, what has impressed me the most? My response has been the same since assuming the headship of the College from Rector Trainor: the people. First, the students – including our wonderful Williams College cohort – are first-class: intelligent, questing, and fizzing with ideas and limitless energy. You only have to spend time with them to realise how fortunate we are (and how hard they work). Second, Exeter is lucky to possess a highly regarded Fellowship of deeply talented and committed academics and college officers. Combined, they are wise, caring, and manage the College with uncommon dexterity, vision, and skill. Finally, the alumni and friends base are outstanding. Not afraid to share a view or position (and often vehemently), they continue to care passionately about the College and are prepared to give their time, wisdom, and resource to support its many endeavours. Remarkable! They remain critical in closing the so-called fiscal ‘gap’, enabling Exeter not only to deliver for today’s students, but also to ensure that the College, particularly its historical estate, remains a first-in-class educational environment in the future.
Therefore, there is much that impresses me, but particularly our people – and much that you should be genuinely proud of. Exeter is a truly wonderful college, and I am thrilled to be its 131st Rector. I inherited an organisation in rude health and am clear that it is an incredibly special and well-run institution. And my first Michaelmas Term has underlined this in spades. Exeter’s performance on University Challenge (despite losing to Christ’s College, Cambridge), its thoughtful Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate and remember the wonderful achievements of Dr Jenni Nuttall, its vibrant and well-attended gaudies, its performance on the Isis or sports pitches – I could go on – all point to a living, breathing college full of vitality, confidence, compassion, and fun. Exeter is, without doubt, a serious educational institution that, reassuringly, does not take itself too seriously and has the confidence to appreciate and often embrace the whimsy. Hearteningly, this is a view shared and admired by many across Oxford and the wider Oxbridge diaspora.
Let me conclude this short preface with two announcements and one note of caution and optimism. First, Lord Hague of Richmond will serve as the next Chancellor of the University of Oxford, having won a majority of support in the final round of voting for the post. I have written to him offering the congratulations of the College and inviting him to High Table. Second, The Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison has been enthroned as the 72nd Bishop of Exeter and assumes the important role of Visitor – a key College role if Governing Body reaches an impasse. I managed to meet Bishop Mike prior to his historic ceremony at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 20 June. In closing, there is one issue that continues to concern many of our alumni: Freedom of Speech. This was again brought to the fore on 7 October at the Oxford Union (of note, not a formal part of the University) debate on the Israeli Palestinian conflict – a disturbing event, in what was said by the speakers and, perhaps more importantly, by some of the members in the chamber. I am clear that free speech is fundamental to intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. It is the lifeblood of a university, and nowhere is this truer than at Exeter, where it is held up and protected as a cherished value. Oxford’s tutorial system allows students to pursue arguments and engage in open debate even on matters of profound disagreement, and this healthy culture of respectful argument is encouraged throughout the College. As well as holding free speech to be one of our central values, we are obliged to protect it by law (Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998 and, more specifically within a university context, section 43 of the Education (No. 2) Act 1986). Please be assured that Freedom of Speech at Exeter is alive and well.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Andrew Roe
Dr Andrew Roe is sworn in as Rector
