The Joan Whitehead Fund in Education

Education is one of the most powerful means for change and growth in the modern world. As well as being a major social science, Education at Queens’ allows students to take an interdisciplinary approach across psychology, politics, and social and cultural contexts.

The Joan Whitehead Fund, enabled by the generous donations of alumni, students, Fellows and friends during the recent Giving Day, has been named for Dr Joan Whitehead. Dr Whitehead was Director of Studies for Education at Queens’, lecturing in Psychology with a primary focus on gender issues. She was the former Senior Tutor of Wolfson College (2000-2004) as well as former Labour Councillor for the Abbey ward in Cambridgeshire. The Fund is named in honour of Dr Whitehead’s advocacy and service to the University, and her service to the city, particularly concerning opportunities for children and youth.

The new Subject Fund will enrich Education at Queens', and provide assistance with:

  • Books and other study materials/equipment
  • Attendance at conferences, lectures and QuEdSoc (and other) events
  • Participation in and travel to conferences and other enriching experiences
  • Contribution to research expenses

The Joan Whitehead Fund in Education was endowed in perpetuity in 2023 with £200,000. This will provide £6,000 per year, to be overseen by the Director of Studies in Education and the Senior Tutor.

If you would like more information about this subject fund, please contact the Alumni & Development Office at development@queens.cam.ac.uk.

"Since becoming the Fellow in Education at Queens in 2018, I have been impressed with Queens’ Education students’ commitments to academic excellence and social impact. One recent undergraduate was awarded a Distinction* in her Part II exams while establishing an NGO aimed at raising awareness about neurodiversity in her home country. Establishing a Subject Fund will distinguish our college for its support of Education and help us attract the best applicants at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. It will support them not only in their studies but also the social impact they are already making as educationists.” 
Dr Tyler Denmead