Our next Principal: Alyson King

Principal Elect, Alyson king OBE

Brasenose College has elected Alyson King OBE as its next Principal. Alyson will take up her new post in October 2026, on the retirement of John Bowers KC.
Alyson brings distinguished leadership experience from a senior career in diplomacy and public service. She is currently serving as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her career has combined principled governance, inclusive leadership, and a sustained commitment to education, mentoring and public service.
Her first degree was in Jurisprudence at Brasenose.

For more information about Alyson, please visit her profile here.

On her election, Alyson said:

Brasenose shaped both my intellectual outlook and my commitment to public service. I am honoured to return to lead a college defined by friendliness, openness and academic excellence; to help ensure that all who study and work here flourish; and to sustain and celebrate the enduring bonds that define the Brasenose community.

The Vice-Principal, Professor Anne Davies, said

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alyson as our next Principal. The selection process has been competitive and thorough, and at every stage Alyson has impressed with her vision, her ability to connect and her desire to understand what the College means for all its members. We are also thrilled that she will be the first woman in the role.

Professor Anne Davies, Professorial Fellow, Vice-Principal

The College records its deep gratitude to John Bowers KC for his dedicated and distinguished leadership. Under his tenure, Brasenose has thrived, and the Governing Body, staff, and students thank him warmly for his energetic service.