The Governing Body of Clare has elected Toby Wilkinson to the role of Bursar from 1 February 2025. Toby brings extensive leadership and management experience from the higher education sector. From 2011-2017, he was the University of Cambridge’s Director of International Strategy, where he developed and implemented the University’s first institution-wide strategy for global engagement; as Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, he was responsible for a budget of £75m and a headcount of 900 staff and 8,000 students, leading the successful £15m bid for Government funding to establish the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology; as Vice-Chancellor of Fiji National University, he was responsible for 1,500 staff across 15 campuses. There, he led the university to its first inclusion in the international rankings.

Having previously been Clare’s Development Director from 2003 to 2011, Toby rejoined Clare as Fellow for Development in 2022. In this role, Toby has played a crucial part in leading the College’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, which raised £25 million for the renewal and transformation of Old Court, as well as overseeing the communications function and the development of the College’s new strategic framework. Currently Clare’s Interim Estates Bursar, he has also been responsible for oversight of most bursarial teams since Easter 2024.

An accomplished Egyptologist, Toby is a prize-winning author of 15 books, which have been translated into 14 languages.

On confirmation of his appointment, Toby said:
“I am honoured and thrilled to have been elected by the Governing Body as Clare’s next Bursar. Building on my experience as Clare’s Interim Estates Bursar, I look forward to continuing working with all members of the College community to secure a sustainable and successful future for Clare as a friendly, forward-looking College, committed to academic excellence.”

Welcoming his election, Loretta Minghella, Master of Clare said:
‘’We were fortunate to have an outstanding field for the post of Bursar, and the College is delighted to announce the appointment of Toby Wilkinson. Toby brings wide-ranging skills and experience to the role, as well as his deep knowledge of the sector, his longstanding commitment to the College, and his close understanding of Clare’s history and community”.

As the College approaches its 700th anniversary in 2026, Toby will continue to oversee the Development Office until a new Director of Development is appointed, helping ensure the milestone is celebrated as a significant chapter in the College’s history.