Patrick O’Connor, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Nottingham Trent University, is the new Acting-President of the British Society for Phenomenology.
It’s all change at the British Society for Phenomenology, with Patrick O’Connor being voted in as the new acting president. Patrick is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Nottingham Trent University, is a former Treasurer of the Society, and has also co-edited one of the special issues of our journal. He has published widely in the field of phenomenology, post-structuralism and the philosophy of education. As part of the nomination process, Patrick put forward an exciting and challenging set of proposals for the future of the society, building upon the successes of outgoing president Keith Crome.
Pat may have a hard act to follow but as the BSP executive saw during the nomination process he is well up to the challenge, promising to both consolidate the current success of the society and offer a series of exciting new initiatives. These include ensuring the BSP works in concert with practitioners and the public to raise the profile and impact of the society; awarding more grants for workshops; an annual prize for best article published in our journal; and – last but by no means least – to amplify the voice of our members.
Pat takes on the role, in the first instance, as acting president. This is because the BSP articles of association (AoA) require the nomination by the executive to be confirmed by the membership. This ratification will take place at the next BSP annual general meeting, which is yet to be scheduled, but will happen around Easter time next year. In the interim, the acting president has all the powers and responsibilities of the president.
Please join us in thanking Keith for his sterling work over the last few years, and in congratulating Pat on his new role and wishing him all the best.