St Mary’s Alumnus Becomes Youngest Ever Black Professor at Cambridge University

Alumnus of BA Education Studies and Physical Education and MA Pedagogy, Professional Practice in Education at St Mary’s University, Twickenham Prof Jason Arday has been appointed the youngest ever black professor at Cambridge University.

Prof Arday, 37, will take up his new role as Professor of Sociology of Education at Cambridge University in March, in doing so becoming the youngest every black professor at the university. Jason is currently employed as a professor by the University of Glasgow and holds an honorary professorship in the department of sociology at Durham University.

Jason’s remarkable academic journey saw him progress from being unable to read and write at 18 to completing his undergraduate studies at St Mary’s just four years later.

A popular member of the St Mary’s community, Jason held a post as a sabbatical officer in 2008 after completing his undergraduate studies. During his time in the role, he launched the popular annual varsity event against local sporting rivals Brunel University, now entering its 15^th year. Jason went on to complete his first master’s degree at St Mary’s, before going on to complete another master’s degree and his PhD at Liverpool John Moore’s University.

Jason returned to St Mary’s in 2020 to deliver a lecture as part of fresher’s fortnight to inspire incoming and returning students.

Aside to his academic achievements, Jason is a prolific fundraiser. Supporting both local and national charitable causes, Jason has raised £4.5m for over 80 charities, including one fundraising effort which saw him run 30 marathons in 35 day.