Professor Adrian Simpson is responsible for the overall direction, leadership, and development of the College. Adrian divides his time between being Principal of St. Mary’s College and being Professor of Mathematics Education in the School of Education He chairs several committees within the College, represents the College at Colleges’ Division and is a member of the University Senate. Adrian is married to Paola, has two cats with distressingly dissimilar personalities, bakes a mean sourdough loaf and appeared fleetingly in the first episode of the 1980s TV series Lovejoy. adrian.simpson@durham.ac.uk
Kate is our Vice Principal. Kate studied History as an undergraduate and postgraduate at Durham before qualifying as a teacher. She then spent a number of years teaching History and Politics across schools in the North East, alongside undertaking various leadership roles. As part of the College Management Team at St Mary's, Kate works closely to support the Principal with the strategic development of the College community including student enrichment and wider student opportunities. She works with student leaders to support the vital work of the common rooms. In her spare time, Kate is a prolific reader of novels and enjoys sewing and patchwork quilting. She can be contacted by email at stmarys.viceprincipal@durham.ac.uk
Emma Gray joined the student support team as one of our Assistant Principals in February 2021, having previously practised as a lawyer and supported young offenders in a Young Offender Institute. Emma (and her therapy dog Twig – Instagram @Twigsgigs) is passionate about supporting and guiding young people as they transition from a home and school environment to make the most of what Durham has to offer, understanding the challenges many students face along the way. In her spare time, Emma loves the outdoors and keeps rescue donkeys. Emma can be contacted via email: emma.gray@durham.ac.uk
Dave was appointed to a lectureship in Computer Science in Durham in 1983. Other posts have included being a Deputy Executive Dean looking after Natural Sciences for fifteen years, Principal of St Cuthbert’s Society, working in the University Counselling Service and doing student support at University College, Josephine Butler College and St. Aidan’s College. He also worked part-time in the NHS for twenty-two years. He was appointed to his part-time post in St. Mary’s in March 2014. Dave is a keen runner and is always encouraging Mary’s students to do parkrun! dave.robson@durham.ac.uk
I'm Hannah and I'm this year's JCR President. Originally from Harrogate, I studied Liberal Arts (History, Music, and Spanish) from 2021-24 at St Mary's. I love music and have been involved with musical theatre productions both in College and university wide. I am also really into sports, and was co-ran our mixed lacrosse team at Mary's, as well as playing netball. This year, my role is to represent all the undergraduate students at Mary's, facilitating events, sports clubs and societies, welfare provisions, and overseeing finances. It's my job to make sure everyone gets as much out of College life as possible!
I can always be reached at st-marys.jcr@durham.ac.uk , or @marys.pres on Instagram with any questions.
I’m Zareen, a fourth year Mathematics student, and your MCR President this year.
Mary’s is one of my favourite places in Durham. Known as the friendliest college in Durham, Mary’s lives up to the reputation. Inclusivity, compassion and respect are highly valued here, creating an environment where you can make lifelong friends. Conveniently located between the Hill and the Bailey, Mary’s also offers some of the most affordable JCR and MCR membership prices, along with a thriving community of sports and societies. There’s something for everyone, and I can’t wait for you to discover all that our wonderful college has to offer!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me:
st-marys.mcr@durham.ac.uk.
Angela is the College Administration Coordinator and works closely with the Principal, Vice Principal and Assistant Principal’s, as well as all other staff at St Mary’s. She has quite a varied background originating in Administration working for her families Haulage Business whilst studying part time, to Airline Cabin Crew (visiting a vast number of destinations, with varied passengers!) to training Weight and Balance to aircraft dispatchers! Now settled back in her home town of Durham, she has been at St Mary’s since 2021, and loves the friendly atmosphere of the college, and the spectacular grounds! She can be contacted by email angela.gurteen@durham.ac.uk
Jennifer is our student support administrator. She has an MBA and an MEd in Special Education and has previously experience in both corporate and educational sectors. In the field of education, Jennifer spent several years teaching English as a second language before qualifying as a teacher of students with visual impairments. Jennifer has worked in multiple countries and cherishes the multicultural experiences she has had working in countries as varied as Saudi Arabia and the United States of America. In her current role, Jennifer works with almost all the college officers providing administrative support as necessary. She primarily enjoys her work in supporting students’ wellbeing. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys cultural experiences, traveling, reading, hiking, and knitting. She can be contacted by email: jennifer.l.moss@durham.ac.uk
Sara is the Assistant Student Support Officer assisting our Assistant Principals to provide support for Students in the College. Sara is in College on a Monday and Thursday and available to discuss any issues you may have during your time at University, especially if they are impacting your wellbeing or studies, and will be able to assist you with accessing appropriate support. She can be contacted by email stmarys.studentsupport@durham.ac.uk
Kellie is the Alumni Events and Fundraising coordinator at St Mary’s. She will primarily be planning events and engagement for the 125th anniversary. Kellie also works closely with the vice principal to promote scholarships and bursaries to current students and offer holders including the 125th anniversary bursary aimed at undergraduate offer holders from lower-income households.
Before joining Mary’s, Kellie worked in student recruitment’s widening access and participation team. She has also worked at the business school. She can be contacted by email: kellie.horrocks@durham.ac.uk
Korobi works at St Mary's 2 days a week, on a Wednesday and Friday. She also works at Trevelyan College.
stmarys.finance@durham.ac.uk
Helen, our College Operations Manager, has been at Mary’s for a very looooong time and holds many service years (too many years to mention) and a lot of knowledge. She has particularly enjoyed the development of student events that have vastly grown and outgrown the college due to their success, very challenging at times but also rewarding to see the enjoyment they bring to all. It has been good to see Mary’s develop and being part of those changes.
Steve has had a varied career path from joining Thames Valley Police at age 19, to driving buses and coaches and working as a prisoner transport officer, before joining University College, Oxford, where he held the post of Deputy Head Porter for eight years. Steve moved to the North East in 2021 with his Durham-born wife, their two rescue dogs, Bertie and Milo, and their rescue turtle Shelley. Aside from being a dad, he loves baseball, scale modelling and military history.
A very familiar face around Mary’s, Mustafa is our Food and Beverages Service Head and you will find him around the dining hall making sure students are looked after (and following the rules!). Mustafa started working at the college in 2010 after a career in the commercial hotel sector. He loves being around students and getting to know them. Outside work he loves to watch and play golf, and go jogging – if his knees allow.
Richard joined St Mary's in 2024, adding a vast experience in catering to college life. Previously working at Newcastle United Football Club!
Mary’s College Reception staff are the friendly and welcoming face of St Mary’s and will help with any day-to-day queries, post, parcels, and key issues! They love getting to know all of the students and helping them out. reception.stmarys@durham.ac.uk
Samantha Brown and Diana Charlton share the role of Receptionist at St Mary's.
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