A scholar of modern British history and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS), Professor Matthew Cragoe, has been appointed as Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Arts at the University of Lincoln.
Professor Cragoe comes to Lincoln from the University of Sussex, where he is currently Head of the School of History, Art History and Philosophy. He previously held the position of Head of the Social Sciences Arts and Humanities Research Institute (SSAHRI) at the University of Hertfordshire, and from 2006-2010 served as Director of Communications on the Council of the RHS, the country’s foremost society for promoting and defending the scholarly study of the past.
Specialising in research surrounding the history of the British Isles since 1750, Professor Cragoe is also one of the convenors of the Modern British History seminar at the Institute of Historical Research in London.
Speaking ahead of his arrival at the University of Lincoln on 1 August 2014, Professor Cragoe said: “I am excited to be joining Lincoln at this significant phase in its development, and look forward to championing the Arts both inside and outside the University.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Stuart said: “I am delighted that Matthew is joining us here at Lincoln, where he will be a key member of the University’s senior team. The College of Arts is developing a global reputation for its research and teaching, and Matthew will play an important role in furthering its excellence and success.”
At Lincoln, Professor Cragoe will continue his pioneering research project examining epitaphs of British gravestones, from 1700 up until the 21st century. Through the investigation of memorials over a period of three hundred years, Professor Cragoe aims to illuminate changes in popular religious beliefs and commemorative practices, and add to our understanding of the alleged secularisation of modern Britain.
Further research interests include historic landscapes and rural history, 19th century parliamentary politics and the history of the Conservative party, and the expansion of Higher Education expansion in post-war Britain.
Professor Cragoe will lead the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, which includes the Schools of Architecture, Art and Design, Humanities, Journalism, Media and Performing Arts.