St Mellitus College is delighted to announce that Revd Ali Hogger-Gadsby has been appointed as the new Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College.
The Dean of Ministry has a particular focus on the ministerial and formational life of the College. Ali’s role has national oversight to equip women and men to be theologically confident and committed followers of Christ to impact a generation.
Revd Ali Hogger-Gadsby says: “I am profoundly grateful to have been invited to serve as Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College. My desire is to encourage and serve the breadth of the church through this new role, to see women and men ready and eager for what God has for them in their future ministry. I love being part of the community of SMC with the privilege of accompanying hope filled disciples who will lead in the church and the world. I'm committed to drawing together my previous experience to help equip our students to respond to the complex needs of their communities, and approach this new role with joy and hope, expectant for what lies ahead."
Revd Russell Winfield (Dean of St Mellitus College) says: “I am thrilled that Ali has accepted the role of Dean of Ministry. Ali brings a wealth of gifts and experience to the role and I am looking forward to working with her as part of the Executive in this new role. The role is something that brings much to the life of the College, and we have sought to shape this role in a way that will meet current needs and develop us well for the future strategy and direction of the College. As Dean of Ministry, Ali will retain oversight of Safeguarding as a key part of her role and I’m grateful that we will be continuing to gain from her expertise for this important aspect of college life. I am convinced that the college will benefit greatly through her appointment.”
Revd Ali Hogger-Gadsby has a background as a mental health nurse and was the founding director of a Christian mental health charity prior to ordination. Before joining the staff team, she served her curacy and was chaplain in the Diocese of Coventry, where she also subsequently led an inner-city multi-cultural church as Vicar. She has been based at the SMC East Midlands teaching centre since 2020 as a formation group tutor and since 2021 as the National Safeguarding Officer for the college– a role in which she has excelled – as well as teaching Pastoral Care and Ministry across the college. Ali recently moved to Truro in May where her husband Clive has been appointed as the Archdeacon of Cornwall and so is now primarily based at the South West Centre. As part of the Senior Team of the College, Ali has brought pastoral expertise to the strategic direction of the college. She also has served on diocesan and ministry committees and continues to offer consultation support, including serving as a representative for TEIs on the NST Safeguarding Learning and Development Group.
Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin (St Mellitus College Board Chair), writes: “I am delighted that Ali will be taking up this role. She is a wise and mature person with a wide variety of experience in ministry in the church, both in parish life and in theological education. It is a role that oversees the preparation of our students for ministry and she brings a passion for ministerial formation and wide knowledge of the Church of England to this role. I am sure she will be a wonderful addition to the College Executive.”
