Alumnus Chris Ferguson appointed Professional in Residence
St Cross College is delighted to welcome Dr Chris Ferguson FSA (2005, MSt & DPhil Archaeology), founding Museum Director of Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Distillery, as a Professional in
Residence. He will take part in a conversation on titled From Anglo-Saxon Kings and Queens to Whisky Dreams on Thursday 30 April at 5.15pm in the Lecture Theatre, in discussion with Elizabeth Gilkey, Archaeology DPhil student and SRC Food & Drink Representative.
Supported by alumnus Doug Wigdor (MLitt Social Studies, 1993), the Professionals in Residence programme invites accomplished figures from outside academia to engage with the college community. Through talks, conversations and informal interactions, it offers students the chance to explore how ideas and careers develop in practice.
Chris is the founding Museum Director of Ad Gefrin, a distinctive cultural venture combining an immersive Anglo-Saxon museum with a working whisky distillery to create a sustainable rural destination in Northumberland. His career path, from a DPhil in Anglo-Saxon Archaeology at St Cross to leading a major heritage and commercial enterprise, reflects curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to take unconventional opportunities.
In this conversation, Chris will reflect on how academic training can translate into leadership beyond the university sector, and how cultural, historical and commercial ambitions can be combined in a single project. His experience offers a perspective on building something original from the ground up, while navigating the practical challenges of doing so outside traditional career pathways.
The event on 30 April will be followed by a drinks reception, with all members of the college community welcome. Everyone registering for the lecture will also receive an invitation to an exclusive whisky tasting workshop with Chris Ferguson, 4pm - 5pm (spaces are limited).
