Jesus College is looking to welcome nine new Visiting Fellows from Michaelmas next academic year - recognised as “people of distinction” with “outstanding achievements beyond normal academic circles”. 

A Visiting Fellowship with the College entails interacting with the students through talks and lectures alongside the opportunity to conduct research in the University of Cambridge.

The newly elected Visiting Fellows come from a range of disciplines, including “eminent figures in law, politics, culture, the arts and media, business and public service”.

The nine Visiting Fellows are: Nimco Ali (CEO of the Five Foundation); Dr Gus Casely-Hayford (Director of V&A East); Dr Lizzie Collingham (Author); Dr Claire Foster-Gilbert (Director at the Westminster Abbey Institute); Dr Jason Mellad (CEO of Start Codon); Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell (MP for Royal Sutton Coldfield); Chi-chi Nwanoku (Musician); Lemn Sissay (Author, Activist and Broadcaster); and Sharon Dodua Otoo (Author and Editor). 

One of the Visiting Fellows, Nimco Ali has founded and co-founded organisations The Five Foundation and Daughters of Eve respectively, seeking to address the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Successful advocacy by The Five Foundation has led to Sudan banning FGM last year. Ali has also obtained multiple accolades, including an OBE in 2019. 

Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, another elected Visiting Fellow, is actively involved in the promotion of African culture. Dr Casely-Hayford was previously a Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in the United States, and is now Director of the new V&A East.

He also holds multiple accolades to his name, including an award-winning South Bank show on African Art, and an OBE in 2018 for his contribution to the arts and culture scene locally. 

In the College’s press release, Sonita Aleyne, Master of Jesus College, said: “These nine people have all made an outstanding contribution to their respective fields. Life in a Cambridge College offers a wide range of social, intellectual, cultural, and artistic experiences; we sought out people who would embrace and enhance College life. I look forward to them joining our wonderful community and to the contributions they will make."