New Vanbrugh provost selected
Current dean of Vanbrugh college David Efird has been appointed as the new Vanbrugh Provost, a role that takes effect on October 1 2008 when current provost Alan Warren retires after 24 years.
Despite having wanted a provostship for some time, Efird declares that he has an “identification with Vanbrugh”, and praised its “strong JCRC, central location, commitment to volunteering and college spirit”.
As a senior lecturer and director of graduate studies in the Philosophy Department, and dean of four years, Efird said he feels he has a lot of experience in “helping students in what is a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in their lives.” He added: “As dean, there’s not a lot in terms of compensation for it, you have to want to do it.” Efird expects to stay in the role for at least five years.
The new provost aims “to see the JCR and the SCR interact more”, and wants, “an academic focus in the college, because if it’s just a place where you eat and sleep then it’s a hall of residence.” He believes this can be achieved with personal development portfolios, increased academic welfare and the development of what he describes as a ‘College Colloquia’ series.
The series would aims to boost academic focus by launching a series of accessible presentations by research students and academics to Vanbrugh students.
Another interesting aspect of Efird’s application to the role was his suggestion of an online questionnaire that would be put to Vanbrugh students after Fresher’s Week, and after their first, second and third years have concluded. His idea is to guage perception of Vanbrugh, and identify areas of the college that could be improved.
Efird is also in the discernment process for ordination into the Church of England. He hopes to be allowed to train as a non-stipendiary, meaning that whilst he would retain his academic and welfare positions in the university, he would perform additional unsalaried duties for the Church.
