PhD student graduates after a decade at university

A local man has graduated with a Doctorate after a decade-long academic journey at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Following his graduation, Lincoln-born Adam Foxon has secured the position of Senior Lecturer at BGU.

In 2013, Adam enrolled at Bishop Grosseteste University through clearing, after a disheartening start at another institution which resulted in him dropping out. He said: “I was sat in my bedroom feeling sorry for myself when my brother walked in, threw a BGU prospectus at me, and told me I needed to go back to University.”

After completing his BA(Hons) Theology and History degree, a Master’s felt like the natural next step for Adam. He completed his Master’s with a Distinction, and soon applied for a PhD studentship researching Robert Grosseteste, the University’s namesake.

Adam said: "To complete my PhD thesis, I had to brush up on my Latin. Having grown up on a council estate, it's not exactly something that I'd dabbled in before!”

During his four years of PhD study, Adam acted as a visiting lecturer and completed a PGDE to enhance his teaching skills. After ten years of study at BGU, Adam has now secured a position as Senior Lecturer at BGU.

Adam recalls the first day of his undergraduate degree. His lecturer, future PhD supervisor and line manager, Dr Jack Cunningham, asked all the students what their ambitions were. Adam shared that he wanted to achieve his PhD and teach theology. Reflecting on this, Adam said: “I've recently realised I have achieved everything I set out to achieve.”

Dr Cunningham said: “Adam came to us as a student 10 years ago and I realised very quickly that he had enormous potential. He did extremely well on his MA and his PhD thesis made a very important contribution to our understanding of the thinking of Robert Grosseteste.

“It was a highlight of my career to watch Adam grow to be what he is today, a fine academic.”

Looking to the future, Adam said: "I can’t promise my PhD graduation will be my last one - I’m considering doing another Master’s. I just love learning and I also enjoy being able to swoop around the Cathedral in my robes!

“I've seen people come and go over the last ten years, but BGU has always remained a wonderful place to study. Without the University, I wouldn't be Dr Foxon.”

Adam graduated on Thursday 27th July at a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral and will commence his teaching role at the University from August.