Jenn Strawbridge

MSt Theology 2001
DPhil Theology 2009
Chaplain and Fellow 2010–2016

The Revd Canon Dr Jenn Strawbridge was Keble’s first female Chaplain and her appointment back in 2010 was not without controversy. Nevertheless, during her time as Chaplain she says it was a privilege to walk alongside multiple generations of Keble students. She introduced a weekly service of Sung Compline, partnered with the Talbot Fund to create the Friends of the Chapel, and led Chapel trips to myriad places, from Devon, to Durham, to Cambridge (USA!).

Originally from Houston, Texas and with an undergraduate degree in Physics and Engineering, Jenn arrived in 2001 to start her Master’s degree after following her supervisor’s advice to apply to Keble, as he suspected she’d enjoy the flourishing life of the Chapel community. After her ordination, Jenn was again encouraged to return to Keble to embark on a DPhil and also serve as Assistant Chaplain, under the then Chaplain, Allen Shin. At the end of his tenure, Jenn applied for the role and to her complete surprise was offered the job.

Jenn played tennis and cricket for the College in her time as Chaplain and also earned a tennis Blue. She lived in College and, accompanied by her faithful Labrador, Marley, was a regular at Keble rugby matches, rowing Eights, and choir football tournaments. College rules dictated that no dogs were allowed in College so during his time at Keble, Marley identified as a cat.

Jenn is now Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at Oxford and the Caird Fellow in Theology and Religion at Mansfield College. She has an impressive profile in the National Church serving on the Church of England’s Faith and Order Commission, and Liturgical Commission. Jenn is part of a group planning the Lambeth Conference in 2020. She is also Associate Priest at St Andrew’s Headington (a Keble parish!), with Darren McFarland, Keble’s current Assistant Chaplain.