Trinity College Appoints the First Woman Provost
Located in Dublin and with a history of 429 years, Trinity College named its 45th Provost of the University that will be starting on August 2021.
The Woman Post | Catalina Mejía
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Linda Doyle, who studied electrical engineering at the University of Cork and graduated with her master's degree and Ph.D. from Trinity, was elected at a process concerning student representatives and the Trinity Staff.
Doyle is the founder and director at Connect, which is a Science Foundation Research Center promoting future communications. She has been a lecturer at Trinity since the mid-1990s and also worked as dean of research and chaired boards such as the Douglas Hyde Gallery. When interviewed Prof Doyle brought up that she was delighted and excited about being the first woman to assume this prestigious role.
In the election process, approximately 860 full-time academic staff are allowed to vote. Usually, the process takes place in Trinity’s Dining Hall, where the electorate comes together to elect the new provost. However, due to the pandemic the election this year was online. The shortlist was composed entirely of females and it included three academics. The other two were Prof Linda Hogan who is a theologian and former vice-provost and Prof Jane Ohlemeyer, an historian. The Provost position lasts 10 years and is remunerated with a 200,000 euros salary. According to the Irish Times, Prof Doyle will be settled in a fancy residence in Dublin, at No.1 Grafton Street. The place holds an art collection that includes pieces by Jack B Yeats.
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Linda Doyle will replace Dr. Patrick Prendergast, who will be concluding his period on July 31st. After the announcement, he congratulated Prof Doyle on her triumphant campaign and wished her the best for her new position at this crucial time in history. The Minister for higher education, Simon Harris also applauded Linda on her position as Provost and after mentioning that she would be the first woman president in the 429 years of Trinity he used the expression – another glass ceiling has been shattered. Harris also made emphasis on the importance of the message that her appointment gave to people involved in higher education, as one of inclusion, equality, and opportunity for everyone.
Prof Doyle publicly mentioned her desire to direct efforts towards education and research, assuring that Trinity students have a great place to learn. She also expressed that she would support the initiative of the university to analyze its imperialist past, highlighting the importance of researching and examining it.
