Reflections from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Professor Freya Johnston shares reflections at the end of her first year as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education).
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One year on as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
The end of this academic year marks my first in the role of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), with responsibility for teaching, learning, admissions, and student support. I would like to thank you all for your contributions to Oxford, whether you’re graduating this summer or returning in the autumn.
Supporting you at Oxford
My focus is on helping to make sure that your experience at Oxford – in terms of your teaching and assessment as well as your general wellbeing – is both academically rewarding and properly supported. A lot of this work happens behind the scenes; all of it is aimed at ensuring that you receive an excellent education and have the resources you need to make the most of your studies.
What I have heard from you
Over the past year, I have heard from you through conversations, survey feedback, and engagement with student representatives in JCRs, MCRs, and Oxford SU. These exchanges have reinforced my sense of how varied and demanding student life can be; your perspectives help to shape the work that the University is undertaking to support you.
The University’s priorities for education and learning will guide our plans over the coming years: we remain committed to making Oxford more accessible and fairer for every student. This commitment includes guaranteeing that your experience here is productive, rewarding, and worthwhile.
Looking ahead
At this time of year, you will all be looking ahead - whether you are graduating, continuing your studies, or beginning something new outside Oxford.
To those of you graduating, my congratulations on all that you have achieved and my very best wishes for what comes next. If you’re returning to Oxford in the autumn, I hope you enjoy the summer. Wherever you go next, I hope you continue to make the most of the opportunities and sense of community that Oxford offers, both during your time here and afterwards
About Professor Freya Johnston
Professor Freya Johnston began as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) on 1 September 2025. She took her undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Trinity College, Cambridge; as an undergraduate she also studied German literature at the Free University in Berlin. She held a variety of academic posts at the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick, before moving to Oxford in 2007. She is Professor of English and Hazel Eardley-Wilmot Tutorial Fellow at St Anne's College. Her research centres on 18th and 19th century literature, and she co-edits the quarterly journal Essays in Criticism (Oxford University Press).
At Oxford, Professor Johnston has served as Associate Head (Education) of the Humanities Division, Dean of St Anne's College, Junior Proctor, Director of Graduate Studies in English, and Deputy Chair of Faculty Board. As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Johnston is responsible for the University's strategies and policies for teaching, learning, admissions and student support.
