Exeter College Welcomes New Chair of Governors, Professor Adam Watt
Exeter College is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Adam Watt, as the College’s new Chair of the Corporation which commenced on 1 August 2025. This change follows Bindu Arjoon’s completion of her maximum extended tenure, marking the end of twelve years of dedicated service on the Board of Governors since her appointment in 2013.
Ms Arjoon, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, is a long-standing member of the Board, having served for twelve years. She has previously held the position of Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee.
Professor Watt brings a wealth of academic leadership experience to the role, currently serving as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Exeter. A distinguished scholar in French and Comparative Literature, he has held senior roles including Head of Modern Languages and Cultures and Associate Dean for Research and Impact. His commitment to cultural enrichment is reflected in his work with the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature and the University Arts & Culture Board. Professor Watt’s deep ties to the region and passion for education make him an inspiring choice to help guide Exeter College into its next chapter.
John Laramy CBE, Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive said:
“We are delighted to welcome Adam Watt as Chair of the Corporation to our Board. I look forward to working with him during what is sure to be an interesting period for colleges, and for Exeter College specifically as we consult about a potential merger with Petroc. As a college, we are fortunate to have a committed and talented Board of Governors who, as volunteers, give freely of their time, talent and expertise to help shape and sustain the educational character of the College.
“I would also like to express gratitude and thanks for our outgoing Chair, Bindu Arjoon, who alongside Vice Chair Patrick Tigwell oversaw a stunning period of growth and development for Exeter College, including an Ofsted inspection which saw us become the first college to sustain its Outstanding status in that cycle. Bindu achieved all of this while managing a very busy day job – a huge thank you from all of us!”
Professor Adam Watt, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, said:
“Exeter College has achieved national recognition for the outstanding quality of its education and for the way that it meets the skills needs of the region. It is high-performing, inspiring and inclusive. So, I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the Board of Governors, and I am delighted to be able to work with the Board and with John and his Leadership Team as we take the College forward to new success and opportunities.
“As a leader at the University, I particularly look forward to working with the College further to strengthen the region’s education and skills ecosystem and its contribution to key sectors.”
