Teresa Smith (1941-2024), a Supernumerary Fellow of St Hilda's College

Teresa Smith (1941-2024), a Supernumerary Fellow of the College, has died at home on 22 August after a short illness.

Teresa studied Literae Humaniores at St Hilda’s between 1960 and 1964, tutored by Barbara Levick, and she went on to study for a Diploma in Social Administration, awarded in 1967.  Teresa began her teaching career at Oxford in 1974 as a half time University Lecturer in Applied Social Studies, a post that was made full time in 1997. She served as Head of Department for the Department of Social Policy and Intervention between 1997 and 2005. She was elected as a Supernumerary Fellow of St Hilda’s in 1998 in association with her University Lectureship.

Teresa's distinguished research, which she continued after retiring, focused on disadvantage, childcare and education. She was an expert advisor to the House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools, and Families for its early years enquiries, and was a member of the Child Poverty Action Group. She also served on Oxfordshire County Council from 1985 to 1993 and as a school governor.

A memorial event is planned to celebrate her academic and community work.