Ruth Etchells facts for kids

Dorothea Ruth Etchells (born April 17, 1931 – died August 8, 2012) was an English poet and an important leader at a university. She spent most of her working life at the University of Durham. She was known for her writing and for breaking new ground in education.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Etchells was born on April 17, 1931. She went to Merchant Taylors' Girls' School when she was younger. Later, she studied at the University of Liverpool.

After finishing her studies, she became an English teacher. She taught at Aigburth Vale High School in Liverpool. Then, she became a lecturer at the Chester College of Higher Education.

Her Career in Education

In 1968, Ruth Etchells started teaching in the English Department at the University of Durham. She quickly became the Vice Principal of Trevelyan College. This was an important leadership role.

Becoming a College Principal

In 1979, Ruth Etchells was chosen to be the Principal of St John's College, Durham. This was a very special moment. She was the first person who was not a priest to lead the college. Even more, she was the first woman to be a principal of a Church of England college. This college, Cranmer Hall, trained people to become priests. At that time, only men could become priests.

Important Roles and Awards

Ruth Etchells also served on the Church of England's Crown Appointments Commission. This group helps choose important leaders like bishops and archbishops. They even helped choose the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In 1992, she received a special award called a Lambeth Doctor of Divinity degree. This showed how much her work and contributions were valued.