Image of Photo of Paul Dominiak
Photo: Patricia Boulhosa

Dean of Chapel appointed Vice Principal of Westcott House

Dean of Chapel The Rev’d Dr Paul Dominiak will move to Westcott House, a theological college in the centre of Cambridge, in September 2019.

Born in Whitby, North Yorkshire, Paul read Early Modern Studies and Philosophy at the University of the South as an international scholar. He subsequently moved to Cambridge, reading the Theology Tripos and then the Theology MPhil at Sidney Sussex College, while also undertaking ministerial formation at Westcott House.

Paul served as an Assistant Curate in a parish in the north east of England before returning to Cambridge as Chaplain to Trinity College in 2011. He joined Jesus College as Dean of Chapel in 2015, and subsequently held many College roles including Tutorial Advisor, Praelector, and Director of Studies in Bachelor of Theology for Ministry Exams. Paul finished his doctoral work through Durham University in 2016, having worked on the reception and use of Platonic metaphysics of participation in Elizabethan theology.

As Vice Principal of Westcott House, he will work closely with the Principal to develop theological education and formation which meets the ambition of the Church to grow in number and depth.

Paul said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Westcott House, where I trained for ministry, to become Vice Principal. It is a time of significant challenge for the Church and nation, as well as for the future of theological education. I look forward to working constructively with the Westcott community to address of all these challenges.

“I will of course deeply miss Jesus College, which has proved a happy home over the past four years. I would like to express my thanks to all members of the College community for their love, warmth, and support over the course of my ministry here.”

Canon Chris Chivers, Principal of Westcott House, said: “I am delighted that Paul Dominiak will be the next Vice Principal. An alumnus of the House, one who has already had a stint as a highly-respected tutor at Westcott, Paul brings academic rigour, pastoral sensitivity and a passion for the best of the Anglican polity at a time when all three are vital components for those preparing for public ministry. A person known for his advocacy of a thoughtful and embracing Christian witness he will bring great gifts to this new role.”