Inaugural Professorial Lecture: Intentional. Unconventional. Steadfast.

Intentional. Unconventional. Steadfast.

These three words were used to describe Cathia at her installation as Professor of English Writing at the University of Warwick in 2012, and they have defined her approach ever since. They speak to her lifelong intellectual curiosity and a sustained commitment to meaningful change.

In her inaugural lecture, Cathia will bring this ethos to life, taking the audience on a transdisciplinary journey spanning comparative literature, sustainable development, liberal arts education, gender and leadership, and pedagogic innovation. She will reflect on her scholarly contributions while exploring the political, geographic and cultural contexts that have shaped her work.

The Speaker

Cathia is Professor of Gender and Leadership, Head of the School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, and Executive Dean for Partnerships, Innovation and Inclusion at the University of Gloucestershire.

Before joining the University, she served as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the Lebanese American University (2019–2023), following a long tenure at the University of Warwick. At Warwick, she held a number of senior roles, including Founding Head of the School for Cross-Faculty Studies, and played a leading role in establishing the Global Sustainable Development unit and associated research institute, as well as the Liberal Arts programme.

Her work has consistently focused on interdisciplinary education and global engagement, with experience spanning the UK, Europe, the United States and the Middle East. Her books include Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide (illustrated by Judy Groves), which has been described as “an invaluable reference book for anyone seeking the story of how feminism reconfigured the world”. 

She holds degrees in biology and literature, alongside a PhD in comparative literature and a PGCE. She is also a certified coach committed to supporting individuals from under-represented communities in their leadership journeys.

Lecture Details

The lecture will take place at Oxstalls Campus (Business School building) on Tuesday 12 May 2026. Guests should arrive at 5pm for refreshments. The event is expected to finish at 6.45pm.

We will also livestream the lecture – please choose your ticket type according to whether you will be attending in person or online. Virtual attendees will be sent an email to register for the online version of this event 7 days prior, they will then receive the link to follow on the day.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance using the link below.