Congratulations and welcome to our four new Heads of College

About the new Heads of College 

Dr Matthew Mills, Interim Head of St Cuthbert’s Society

Dr Matthew Mills joined St Cuthbert’s Society in 2025 as Vice-Principal. In collaboration with student officers and others, he seeks to foster a culture and ethos in which all may flourish and are stretched and supported, both intellectually and personally. From his own experience, including as a first-generation graduate from the North East of England, Matthew is aware of the transformative potential of higher education and the lifelong enrichment of a college association. Since 2021, Matthew has held an honorary fellowship within the Department of Theology and Religion.  

Katie Stobbs, Interim Head of Stephenson College

Katie is currently Acting Principal of Stephenson College. Katie grew up in County Durham, read Politics at Newcastle University and then studied for a Master’s degree in International Relations at Durham. After graduating in 2011, she worked for the Anne Frank Trust UK, followed by a five-year stint in the Middle East working on cross-boundary research and development in renewable energy, water conservation, as well as wastewater treatment and reuse and sustainable agricultural innovation. Before joining Stephenson College, Katie was Acting Vice-Master at Hatfield College and Assistant Principal at Ustinov College. She was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.  

Kate Morrey, Interim Head of St Mary’s College  

Kate is currently Vice Principal at St Mary’s College. She studied History as an undergraduate and postgraduate at Durham before qualifying as a teacher. She then spent a number of years teaching History and Politics across schools in North East England, alongside undertaking various leadership roles. 

Sophie Holland, Interim Head of Ustinov College 

Sophie is currently Vice-Principal of Ustinov College. She has over ten years’ experience in education, with five of those spent in international education. She is a passionate advocate for student enrichment and the benefits of learning outside of the traditional classroom. She is dedicated to providing a wide range of extracurricular activities to ensure that every member of the Ustinov community has an enriched educational journey. 

Find out more: 

• About our Colleges