A Professor of German (1776) at the Department of Germanic Studies in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies, Jürgen Barkhoff has held many senior roles in Trinity, including Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub from 2012 to 2015 and Vice-Provost, Chief Academic Officer and Deputy President from 2019 to 2021, among others. Jürgen has also represented Trinity at the Coimbra Group, a network of European Universities of which Trinity College Dublin is a member. He was Chair of its Culture, Arts and Humanities Task Force from 2006 to 2011 and Vice-Chair of its Executive Board from 2012 to 2021.
During his tenure as Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Professor Barkhoff inaugurated its popular ‘Behind the Headlines’ discussion series in 2015 and secured significant philanthropic funding to launch a five-year Public Humanities programme. He also spearheaded the university research theme ‘Identities in Transformation’ which was launched by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, in 2013.
Rachel Hussey was also admitted as Pro-Chancellor. She is a Trinity graduate, Foundation Scholar and winner of a Gold Medal in Law. Now Clients and Markets Partner at Arthur Cox, she was called to the Irish Bar in 1989 and admitted to the New York Bar in 1990. Rachel’s legal career is inspiring, as is her tireless dedication to gender equality. Among other achievements, she was Chair of the 30% Club Ireland from 2019-2020, sat on the Governing Authority of Dublin City University from 2017-203 and is a governor of the National Maternity Hospital.
Appointment to the office of Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor is the highest honour the University can bestow. Speaking of the new Pro-Chancellors, Trinity’s Provost Linda Doyle said “Rachel and Jürgen are truly exceptional people who bring Trinity’s values to life in all that they do. Rachel is a leading advocate for gender diversity in the legal profession and beyond, and Jürgen - with his deep commitment to education and the humanities - has played a central role in Trinity since he joined us in 1995. I am so proud that they have agreed to take up these positions and know that our students and staff will be greatly inspired by them during their tenure.”
“Graduation day is one of the most joyful occasions of the academic year,” said Professor Jürgen Barkhoff. “I am truly honoured to be appointed to the role of Pro-Chancellor of Trinity and to take part in commencement ceremonies when we wish our graduates well as they venture out into the world.”
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