St Mary’s Announces Appointment of New Provost

St Mary’s University, Twickenham has today announced the appointment of Prof Symeon Dagkas as its new Provost and Chief Academic Officer.

Prof Dagkas joined St Mary’s in 2018 as Dean of the now Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science. He has held the position of Acting Provost for the past six months, following the retirement of Professor John Charmley, the University’s first Provost.

He has had an extensive career in Higher Education working at institutions including the University of Birmingham, University of East London, and Canterbury Christchurch University. He has an international reputation for his work in the Sociology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health and Physical Education, specialising in issues of social justice and equality.

Since joining St Mary’s, Symeon has established a comprehensive suite of Allied Health programmes and led a range of student focused projects including a large-scale review of the academic portfolio. He is the University's Lead for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. In 2021 he was appointed an evaluator panel member to the Knowledge Exchange Concordat.

Speaking of the appointment, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Anthony McClaran said, “I am delighted to announce that, following a global recruitment process, St Mary’s University has appointed Professor Symeon Dagkas to the position of Provost and Chief Academic Officer, with effect from 1 February 2022.

“As part of the University Senior Leadership Team, the Provost will provide coordinating leadership across all academic functions and will play a key role in determining and implementing University strategy. I welcome Symeon to the Senior Leadership Team and very much look forward to working closely with him as we move forward our ambitious Vision 2030 plans for the University’s growth through partnership, research, outstanding teaching and superb student experience.”

Prof Dagkas said of his new role, “It’s a great privilege to be appointed Provost of St Mary’s University. I have seen first-hand the energy, commitment and talent of our staff and students who work to ensure that we not only achieve great outcomes but do so in a spirit of collaboration and trust. The St Mary’s community is a strong, supportive network and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues as we drive our change agenda forward. I am grateful to the Vice-Chancellor and the Board for the trust they have placed in me. With the ongoing support of colleagues, I will do all I can to ensure St Mary’s, as an inclusive Catholic university, goes from strength to strength."