12th June 2019 9:00
By Blue Tutors
For the first time an Oxbridge College has appointed a black woman as its master. Jesus College Cambridge have chosen Sonita Alleyne, 51, from South London who will start her role in October this year. Alleyne attended Cambridge herself and said it was “an honour to be elected to lead Jesus College.
Sonita Alleyne is a business woman who studied philosophy at Fitzwilliam College Cambridge as an undergraduate. She left university and founded a production company called Somethin’ Else following working in radio. She is also a former BBC trustee who encouraged diversity and inclusivity.
Professor Mary Laven, part of the committee choosing Jesus’ new master said that they were “thrilled by Ms Alleyne’s appointment”, and that she brings experience and has shown commitment to helping young people.
The announcement comes shortly after criticism of both Oxford and Cambridge regarding their access policies and the diversity within the undergraduate populations. Sonita Alleyne’s appointment could signal an increased commitment to ensuring that Oxbridge’s student makeup more accurately reflects the UK’s young people.