The Role of the Provost

It is the Provost’s role to oversee the strategic development of the University and to ensure that Trinity continues to build on its four hundred year old tradition of excellence in education and research.

The Provost is the Head of Trinity College Dublin and is the equivalent of the President in other universities. Dr Linda Doyle took up office in August 2021 and is the 45th Provost to be appointed since the foundation of the University in 1592.

In accordance with current College Statutes, Provosts serve for a period of ten years without the possibility of re-election. The role of Provost has evolved considerably over centuries of much change for the University, but the basic tenets still prevail.

It is the Provost’s role to oversee the strategic development of the University and to ensure that Trinity continues to build on its four-hundred-year-old tradition of excellence in education and research. The Provost is responsible for planning, prioritising, and managing a University of over 21,000 students and 3,800 staff. The Provost is the university's Chief Officer and chairs the Board of the College, which is the governing authority.

The Provost represents the College at the highest level, liaising with government and external bodies, developing relationships for the University at national and international levels for the continued advancement of the College. The Provost also officiates at internal College events such as launches and conferences and presides with the Chancellor at important ceremonial occasions such as public commencements (graduation ceremonies).