Dr Michael Smets becomes Professor in 2019 Recognition of Distinction
Dr Michael Smets, a Governing Body Fellow of Green Templeton College, member of the Academic Committee, and college alumnus (MSc 2003, DPhil 2009), has received a 2019 Recognition of Distinction. This honour confers the title of Professor at the University of Oxford, providing Dr Smets with the new title of Professor of Management.
Michael is Professor of Management at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where he studies the complexities of organisations facing conflicting institutional pressures. He does so in professional, cultural and educational organisations, using qualitative methods such as video- and team-ethnography.
The Recognition of Distinction acknowledges his excellent contributions to institutional theory, practice theory and the field of knowledge for professional services; blending those theories in order to connect individual, organisational and institutional dynamics. In addition to his scholarly work, he was recognised for his leadership of the Saïd Business School DPhil programme, his work on the academic leadership of the MBA and his extensive public engagement efforts to positively affect management practise.
Michael ranked among the global ‘top 40 under 40’ MBA professors in 2016, won the 2012 Academy of Management Journal ‘Best Paper’ and has been named on the Thinkers50 Radar list for 2019. His work has featured in Harvard Business Review, the Financial Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, and the Economist.
The college congratulates Professor Smets on this honour.
We are delighted to announce Green Templeton’s Community & Giving Week, taking place from 20–26 June 2026🥳
Throughout the week, we’ll be raising funds for student support while celebrating our wonderful community. There will be opportunities to volunteer you time to help our students, take part in college competitions and unlock additional funds through community challenges.
Early giving is now open, and thanks to a group of generous supporters, we have £20,000 to match donations ahead of 20 June.
Explore our Giving Week platform and make an early gift - link in bio!
📷 The Green Templeton College Photography Competition 2026 is now open!
This year’s theme is ‘The student experience’ — and we’re looking for striking, imaginative photographs that explore this and what it means to you!
🟢 Open to: students, alumni, fellows, common room members, associate members and staff
💷 Prize: £200
📅 Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 at 13:00
Submit up to three photos to: communications@gtc.ox.ac.uk, including when and where they were taken. We can’t wait to see your work!
Return to Green Templeton College during this year’s Meeting Minds weekend 18-20 September.
Join fellow alumni for a late summer BBQ (18) and a formal dinner (19) – two opportunities to reconnect, revisit college, and enjoy Oxford at its best time of year.
For more information and to register visit: https://www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/alumni/engage/alumni-events/
A tour of the gardens through the eyes of a 15-year-old work experience student.
Maddie Bennett from Bartholomew School in Eynsham spent last week with the communications team at college and found some friendly faces too!
Last week, the college welcomed guests for a special afternoon marking the launch of the Pirie Society.
The event celebrated the college’s new legacy society and recognised those who are considering, or have chosen, to leave a gift in their will to the college.
Their generosity will help shape the future of the college for generations to come.
