Doyle confirmed as next provost of Trinity, Board announces

Professor Linda Doyle will take office as Provost on August 1, incumbent Patrick Prendergast confirmed this evening

In an email to staff and students today, Provost Patrick Prendergast confirmed that following Provost-Elect Professor Linda Doyle’s election on April 10, the College Board has formally appointed Doyle to take up the post from August 1.

Prendergast confirmed that Doyle made the declaration of office in the presence of the Board as required by the University’s statutes.

In his email, Prendergast went on to congratulate Doyle, stating that “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Doyle on her election and appointment and of course it is particularly significant as Linda will be the first female Provost in Trinity’s history”. 

Prendergast continued: “Now that the final stage in the appointment process under the Statutes has been completed, I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the process. In particular I would like to mention Professor Linda Hogan and Professor Jane Ohlmeyer for their important contribution to an active and lively campaign which was a good example of democracy at work.” 

Doyle won the election for provost in the second round after receiving 517 votes, while Prof Lind Hogan received 270 votes. Prof Jane Ohlmeyer was eliminated in the first round of voting. 

This provost election was historic in multiple ways, taking place almost entirely online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prendergast acknowledged this in his email, stating that it was “interesting that the turnout was so high (over 90%) which is a good sign of the success of the systems and the preparation that had been put in to this important task”. 

“I know that many colleagues and team members went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the process ran effectively and efficiently.”

Prendergast also thanked the Registrar Brendan Tangeny, as well as the Chairs of the committees which oversaw the election, for their work during the campaign period. 

Doyle is Trinity’s Professor of Engineering and the Arts, a role she has held since 2014.

Between 2018 and 2020, Doyle was Trinity’s Dean of Research. She was the founding director of CONNECT, a national research centre.  She is the Chair of Trinity’s Douglas Hyde Gallery and of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board in the UK.

Provost Patrick Prendergast is due to leave office on July 31, paving the way for Doyle to assume the role on August 1.

Shannon Connolly

Shannon Connolly is the Editor-in-Chief of the 69th volume Trinity News, and a Senior Sophister student of English Literature and Philosophy. She previously served as Deputy Editor, News Editor and Assistant News Editor.