One of Oxford University's youngest colleges has appointed its first woman principal.
The Fellows of Mansfield College have elected Dr Diana Walford to the position.
Dr Walford, who is director of the Public Health Laboratory Service, will take up the post when the present principal Professor David Marquand retires in October.
Mansfield received its Royal Charter in 1995. It has 70 graduates and 200 undergraduates, many of whom are state sector students.
Senior Fellow Dr Tony Lemon said: "Dr Walford's election represents a double first for Mansfield - our first woman principal and our first with an scientific background.
"We are delighted she has accepted the challenge of leading Mansfield forward. She has a wealth of experience in senior healthcare positions, and we were most impressed by her experience, achievements, energy and personality."
Dr Walford said: "I feel deeply honoured to have been elected. It is a special privilege to be joining a college that successfully combines a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence with a real commitment to widening access to Oxford."
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