Saturday 1 October 2022

From the New Warden

Dear Keble community

I wanted to connect with you all on the first day of my Wardenship and so I have recorded a short video message from the heart of Keble. Liddon Quad was looking stunning, bathed in early morning autumn sunshine. The main purpose is simply to introduce myself in the hope that you will now recognise me as I am walking around College. Please do say hello. The most important message is one of gratitude to my predecessor, Sir Jonathan Phillips. He has worked tirelessly for College over the last decade and, as I say in the video, has greatly strengthened its reputation in many ways.

I have now met many academic and non-academic staff. We share a common vision of creating an ecosystem in which all staff and students flourish and reach their full potential. I haven’t had the chance to meet many students yet, but I know how lucky we are to have such brilliant young people from all backgrounds choose to continue their intellectual journey with us. We have a history of creating opportunity for people for whom it was lacking, going right back to our foundation, and we will continue to do this with determination.

I can already sense how strong the bond is between the global alumni community and College. It is apparent that our alumni provide extraordinary support to the generations of students that follow them. I am truly grateful.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I look forward to meeting many of you and serving as your Warden.

Michael Jacobs