The role of the Curators
Established by University Decree, the Curators oversee the long-term policy, conservation, and strategic direction of our 70-acre estate. The board works to balance the needs of university members, local residents, and visitors – ensuring the Parks remain a cherished space for research, sport, and relaxation, while our Superintendent and grounds team care for the landscape day-to-day.
Meet our curators
There are eleven Curators of the University Parks consisting of: the chairman appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, both Proctors, the Assessor; the chairman of the Buildings and Estates Subcommittee (or another member of the subcommittee nominated by its chairman), two people elected by Congregation, two people appointed by Council and up to two co-opted members.
| Office, or appointing body | Curator | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Acting for the Vice-Chancellor | Kate Mavor, CBE, St Cross College | MT 2026 |
| Senior Proctor, ex officio | Professor Andrew Farmery, Wadham | Ex officio |
| Junior Proctor, ex officio | Professor Caroline Warman, Jesus | Ex officio |
| Assessor, ex officio | Professor Jeff Tseng, St Edmund Hall | Ex officio |
| Council | Dr Huw Dorkins, St Peter's | MT 2026 |
| Council | Mr Jo Harris, Research Services | MT 2027 |
| Student Union | Shermar Pryce, President for Communities & Common rooms | MT 2026 |
| Research Staff Consultation Group | Dr Alice Little, Faculty of Music | MT 2026 |
| Congregation | Mrs Emmanuelle Denis, Pandemic Sciences Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine | MT 2027 |
| Congregation | Professor Laura Rival, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences | MT 2026 |
| Co-opted | Professor Martin Maiden, Hertford | MT 2027 |
Secretary: Aristea Gkontra, Planning and Council Secretariat
Key:
MT = Michaelmas Term
HT = Hilary Term
TT = Trinity Term