For 11 months I’ve headed the University chaplaincy team which is backed by the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
What would you most like to achieve while at the University?
I would like the chaplaincy to be regarded as an important part of the institution and a place of sanctuary in a busy campus for those at all stages of faith.
What piece of advice would you like to give to a student?
Be gentle with yourself and remember there is a “person behind the degree”. Nurture your enthusiasm
Name one thing that makes you feel proud to work at the University of Bath?
While on the University campus I’ve found all the staff and students to be very proud that they belong here. This can’t help but rub off on you.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a surgeon because my father and grandfather had been surgeons.
What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
If you have an enthusiasm or calling it’s easy to become swamped with busy-ness. So building rest time into one’s day is crucial. I wish I’d been slightly more capable to have some time away.
If you could start your own dream business, what would it be?
It would have to be with people and I’m really interested in helping people see the common ground between different Christian traditions. So I’d like to set up a company that would link all churches, of any denominations around the country, who agreed to sign up to a code of faith built on a desire for unity, a recognition of the importance of compassion and the power of prayer.
What’s your favourite book or album and why?
Clearly the Bible is very important but we’ll take that as a given. I’d like to have JS Bach’s two Passions (music written to accompany Good Friday services), sung in English so I knew why Bach wrote the music he did for each particular moment.
When are you happiest?
I think relationships are very important and it always takes two. I think when you’re in a relationship and you get to a point that you’re totally on the same wavelength, those are when the happiest times are.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
Winston Churchill, he was an inspirational leader of his time. I think a modern day equivalent would be Nelson Mandela. Both are world changers in their time.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Probably how vulnerable I can be. I can be quite emotionally affected by things.
If you know of a colleague who’d like to raise the profile of their work or has an unexpected hobby, email comms@bath.ac.uk with the subject ‘Staff Spotlight recommendation’.