Professor Frances Corner OBE is the Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London.
Frances is the first woman to take on the role as Warden for Goldsmiths since the University was founded. Previously Head of London College of Fashion and Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of the Arts London she has over 25 years’ experience within the higher education sector working at both national and international level.
Regularly public speaking, Frances has delivered key-note speeches and lectures at TEDTalks, the United Nations, International Universities and private events. An experienced writer and broadcaster, Frances publishes widely on art and design education and, in 2014, published her first book entitled ‘Why Fashion Matters’ (Thames and Hudson).
Professor Corner is a campaigner whose championing of projects within sustainability, health and wellbeing, diversity and equality has been globally recognised. As a Green Gown finalist in 2015 and named one of London’s 1000 Most Influential People, Frances was awarded an OBE in 2009 for services to fashion Higher Education and widening participation in arts education.
Frances plays an active role in advising stakeholders on the role that higher education can play in the development and support of the creative industries and was given a ‘Women: Inspiration & Enterprise’ Award in 2015 for services to Education.
Frances was previously Chair of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes 2014-2018, a member of the Steering Committee for V&A Research Institute and previously a Trustee at the Wallace Collection and Chair of Trustees for the House of Illustration.
Frances is currently Chair of Trustees at Maudsley Charity, having previously served as a Trustee at youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. She is a Board member for Advance HE, the University of London and London Higher, and is Executive Chair of the London Higher Sustainability Network.
In March 2016 Frances was honoured with the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT) Distinguished Professor and PhD Supervisor Award and in 2017 she was given an honorary degree from the University of Gloucestershire. She holds a DPhil from Oxford.
