Catz alumnus appointed next Master of Balliol College

St Catherine’s College is delighted to announce that Professor Seamus Perry (1986, English) has been elected the new Master of Balliol College, University of Oxford. He will take up the post in July 2026.

Professor Seamus Perry came up to Catz in 1986 to read for his undergraduate degree. In 1989, having achieved a First Class in his undergraduate studies, he commenced his DPhil in English at Catz, under the supervision of the late John Bayley. A distinguished scholar and widely published critic, he is currently Fellow and Tutor in English at Balliol, where he also serves as Vice-Master, Fellow Librarian, and Fellow for Charity Matters.

He has held academic posts at Lincoln College, Oxford, and the University of Glasgow. He was first made Professor of English at Oxford in 2014, and he chaired the Faculty of English Board between 2013 and 2017. His research spans authors from Coleridge to T.S. Eliot, and he is Co-Editor of the leading journal Essays in Criticism. He also co-hosts the Close Readings podcast with poet Mark Ford. His journalistic accolades include the Times Literary Supplement and the Literary Review.

Jude Kelly CBE, Master of St Catherine’s College, remarked: “Professor Seamus Perry’s election as Master of Balliol College is a distinct recognition of his academic standing and long-term contribution to the University. St Catherine’s College takes great pride in his achievements, both as a scholar and as a leader. We look forward to seeing the leadership and vision he will bring to Balliol, and we wish him every success in this new chapter.”

Professor Perry commented: “It is a tremendous honour to be chosen by the Fellowship as the next Master of Balliol […] I look forward greatly to working alongside my outstanding colleagues, our students, and all members of Balliol, to ensure the College continues to flourish in the years ahead.”

St Catherine’s College warmly congratulates Professor Seamus Perry on this prestigious appointment.