We are very sad to record that Professor Elizabeth Fallaize died, peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday 6 December.
Elizabeth came to St John's as a tutor in French in 1990, and generations of undergraduate and graduate students were inspired by her teaching and scholarship. In 2002 she became a Professor of French, and in 2005 was made Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) in the University of Oxford, a post she held until her retirement in 2008 after contracting Motor Neurone Disease.
The College sends its deep sympathy to her husband, Professor Alan Grafen, and to all her family.
Sir Michael Scholar, President
The following tribute was sent by Julie Maxton, Registrar:
Professor Fallaize was a vibrant, determined, and courageous scholar and colleague. As a Fellow of St John's, a former Chair of the Medieval and Modern Languages Board, and former Junior Proctor, she was well known for her clarity of view, her enthusiasm for her research, her love of France, her engagement with her students and her principled approach to all matters.
As the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) between 2005 and 2008, Elizabeth was responsible for a number of key strategic priorities. She led on the recent QAA institutional audit, the revision of the University's Strategic Plan and the Embedding Graduate Studies agenda. She played an important role in the size and shape debate and chaired the University's Honorary Degrees Committee. As the first woman to become an Official Fellow at St John's, Elizabeth was a role model for many and won the admiration of many more as she supported and mentored women and demonstrated that they could make a valuable contribution to all aspects of life in the collegiate University. Elizabeth will be very much missed.
In memory of Professor Fallaize, the Department of Medieval and Modern Languages and St John's College are seeking to endow a Graduate Scholarship in the field of Modern Languages.
Find out more about the Elizabeth Fallaize Fund
