Who's Who

Katie Stobbs - Principal

+44 (0) 191 334 0041 stephenson.principal@durham.ac.uk 

Katie is Principal of Stephenson College and has overall responsibility for the direction, leadership and management of the college. She works directly with the other college officers and staff, student leaders of the Junior, Middle and Senior Common Rooms and alumni and supporters to ensure an outstanding student experience. 

Katie grew up in County Durham, read Politics at Newcastle University and then studied for a Master’s degree in International Relations at Durham. After graduating in 2011, she worked for the Anne Frank Trust UK, a national anti-racism charity, followed by a five-year stint in the Middle East working on cross-boundary research and development in renewable energy, water conservation, as well as wastewater treatment and reuse and sustainable agricultural innovation. Katie also managed DFID’s international youth volunteering programme in the West Bank. Before joining Stephenson College as Vice-Principal in October 2021, Katie was Acting Vice-Master at Hatfield College and Assistant Principal at Ustinov College. Katie was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020 and the Respect, Fairness and Equity Award at Durham Global Awards in 2023. 

Jamie Short - Vice-Principal

+44 (0) 191 3340042 stephenson.vp@durham.ac.uk

As Vice-Principal, Jamie works alongside the Principal, College staff and student leaders to support the continued development of Stephenson College and its community. His role has a particular focus on student experience, engagement and ensuring students have opportunities to get involved in and make the most of College life. Jamie shares his role equally between Stephenson and Ustinov Colleges.

Jamie has worked at Durham University for 14 years, spending the majority of that time at University College. He primarily held the role of Food and Beverage Service Head, alongside periods as Operations Manager and Vice-Principal, giving him experience across a wide range of College life and operations.

Jamie is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for students to get involved, try new things and play an active part in shaping their College, building on everything that already makes Stephenson a welcoming and special place be. 

Frankie Hall - Assistant Principal 

+44 (0) 191 334 0560
stephenson.studentsupport@durham.ac.uk  

As Assistant Principal, Frankie is responsible for overseeing the student support and wellbeing of students in College.

Hartlepool-born Frankie is a qualified teacher, having graduated as an ‘Outstanding’ rated practitioner in 2017 with a PGCE in Pedagogy from St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Prior to joining Durham University in 2023, Frankie held several pastoral roles within secondary and further education, most notably as Pastoral Manager, Sixth Form Learning Manager and Associate Assistant Principal.

Flynn Edwards  – JCR President 2026/2027

+44 (0) 191 334 9380 stephenson.jcr@durham.ac.uk 

Flynn is the elected President of our Junior Common Room (JCR), the community of undergraduate students here at Stephenson College. Flynn manages the JCR Exec and Non-Exec Committees which collectively support and organise social, sporting, welfare and enrichment activities within Stephenson College. Flynn lives in College and works from the JCR Office, which is based in the Wylam building.

Ella Wolstencroft – MCR President 2026/2027

stephenson.mcr@durham.ac.uk 

Ella is the President of our Middle Common Room which represents our postgraduate and mature student body, working alongside the MCR Executive Committee to create a social, supportive and academic hub for our MCR community in College. Ella joined the College in 2021 as an undergraduate student and is now studying for a PhD in the Department of Chemistry, alongside her role as MCR President. 

College Staff