SOAS provost to take over as v-c at strike-hit Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths, University of London has appointed a new vice-chancellor as it battles financial turmoil.

Joanna Newman will take over at the leading creative arts institution in the autumn, replacing interim vice-chancellor David Oswell.

Currently provost and deputy vice-chancellor of education at SOAS, University of London, Newman was previously the first female secretary general of the 500-strong Association of Commonwealth Universities.

She assumes the role in September, with Oswell returning to the position of provost and deputy vice-chancellor for research and knowledge exchange.

Oswell has led Goldsmiths for eight months after the institution’s first female leader, Frances Corner, announced her departure in September 2025.