Baroness Royall Advocates Leadership at Oxford Without Attending

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, who has served as the master of Somerville College for seven years, is vying to become the next chancellor of Oxford University. She argues that her lack of an Oxford education positions her uniquely to lead the institution, as she believes many alumni are overly sentimental about their experiences. Competing against notable figures such as Lord Hague of Richmond and Imran Khan, she emphasizes her extensive experience in higher education and governance, having previously held roles as the leader and chief whip of the House of Lords. Royall's perspective is that her outsider status allows her to approach the role with fresh insights, contrasting with candidates who may be more emotionally attached to the university. This election marks a significant moment in the university's history, as it seeks a new chancellor 800 years after the first was appointed, highlighting the evolving nature of leadership within prestigious academic institutions.