SOAS University of London, UK. Joanna Newman has joined SOAS University of London as provost, providing strategic leadership to enhance teaching and learning. Over the past six years as secretary general and chief executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Joanna navigated the organisation through a challenging time during the Covid pandemic, and led the implementation of a new strategic plan, which pinned the success of all 17 SDGs to the vital role that universities contribute to each one. Reiterating that both SOAS and the ACU share a similar ethos and values, Joanna said about her new role: “There has never been a more pressing need across the globe for the specialist knowledge and world class scholarship that SOAS possesses. As Provost I look forward to working with the SOAS community to realise its vision and strategy, and I couldn’t be more excited and honoured to take on this role and to have the opportunity to support world class teaching, learning and research in an institution with equity and diversity at its core.”