Professor Adam Smith

University College has appointed Professor Adam Smith as its new Vice-Master. Professor Smith, a Professorial Fellow of University College, succeeds Professor Peter Jezzard PhD FInstP CPhys, who has served as Vice-Master since 2018.

Professor Smith is Edward Orsborn Professor of US Politics and Political History at the University of Oxford and Director of the Rothermere American Institute, the University’s centre for the study of the United States and its role in the world. A distinguished historian, broadcaster and public commentator, he brings extensive academic leadership experience and a longstanding commitment to teaching, research and public engagement.

Born in the northeast of England, Professor Smith attended Durham Johnston Comprehensive School before studying at the Universities of Oxford, Sheffield, Harvard and Cambridge. After sixteen years on the academic staff at University College London, he joined Oxford, where his research and teaching have focused on the history and politics of the United States.

Professor Smith is internationally recognised for his scholarship on the American Civil War, slavery, democracy and political culture. His research explores the relationship between political ideas and political behaviour, with a particular interest in how ordinary people experience and understand periods of political change.

His acclaimed book, The Stormy Present: Conservatism and the Problem of Slavery in Northern Politics, 1846-1865 (University of North Carolina Press, 2017) won the Jefferson Davis Prize for the best book on the Civil War era and was shortlisted for the prestigious Lincoln Prize. He recently completed a major study of the Battle of Gettysburg and its place in historical memory, published as, Gettysburg – Great Battles (Oxford University Press, 2025).

Alongside his academic work, Professor Smith is a familiar voice across BBC radio and television. He has written and presented numerous documentaries on American history, politics and culture for BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC World News. He is also the presenter of The Last Best Hope? podcast, which explores what makes America different.

Professor Smith also has a strong interest in education and public history. He has worked on history education policy for the Royal Historical Society and has developed innovative teaching programmes connecting university students with schools.

Professor Smith said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Vice-Master of University College. Univ is an extraordinary academic community, bringing together talented students, Fellows, staff and alumni from around the world. I have seen first-hand the commitment, ambition and sense of purpose that define Univ, and I look forward to supporting the Master and working with colleagues across the College as we build on that success.

“Universities have a vital role to play in fostering rigorous debate, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to the common good. I am excited to contribute to Univ’s future as we continue to provide an outstanding educational experience and strengthen our position as one of Oxford’s leading colleges.”

Professor Peter Jezzard

Professor Smith succeeds Professor Peter Jezzard, Herbert Dunhill Professor of Neuroimaging at University College and Professor of Neuroimaging at the University of Oxford.

A physicist by training and internationally recognised pioneer in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Professor Jezzard co-leads the FMRIB/OxCIN Physics Group within Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

During his tenure as Vice-Master, Professor Jezzard played a central role in some of the most significant developments in the College’s recent history. He oversaw the recruitment of two Masters of Univ: Baroness Valerie Amos LG CH PC, appointed in 2020, and Dr Maria Balshaw CBE, former Director of Tate galleries, who is due to become Master in September 2027.

Professor Jezzard was also a key member of the College leadership team during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping guide the institution through an unprecedented period of challenge and change.

As Chair of the Univ North Working Party, he led the collaborative effort with stakeholders that helped deliver Univ North, the College’s transformational development project and the largest expansion of its physical estate in more than three centuries.

Professor Jezzard said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as Vice-Master of University College over the past eight years and to work closely with Baroness Amos and the other Senior Officers. During that time the College has navigated significant challenges and embraced important opportunities, and I am grateful to the many Fellows, staff, students and alumni with whom I have worked. I am delighted that Adam will be succeeding me, bringing his intellectual distinction, sound judgement and a deep commitment to the College, I know that Univ will benefit greatly from his leadership.”

Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, said: “We are delighted that Professor Adam Smith has agreed to serve as Univ’s next Vice-Master. Adam is an internationally respected scholar, a gifted communicator and a deeply engaged member of our College community. He combines academic distinction with a genuine commitment to students and colleagues, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to advance the College’s ambitions.

I would also like to pay tribute to Professor Peter Jezzard for his outstanding service as Vice-Master since 2018. Peter’s wisdom, dedication and calm leadership have helped guide the College through a period of major change and achievement. On behalf of Univ, I thank him for his enormous contribution to the College.”

Professor Adam Smith took up the role of Vice-Master of University College on 1 August 2026.

Published: 10 September 2026

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