In the following interview, Professor Kevin Featherstone, who remains at LSE as a Professorial Research Fellow within the Hellenic Observatory Centre, shared some of his fond memories working at the European Institute.
1) Can you tell us more about joining LSE?
I arrived at LSE on 1 May 2002, becoming the ‘Eleftherios Venizelos Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies’ and Director of the Hellenic Observatory. I came having built a reputation for my research on the politics of the European Union – I'd recently co-written a book entitled, The Road to Maastricht: Negotiating Economic and Monetary Union, which was well received. But now, with my new Chair, I was to largely switch my focus to contemporary Greece. I was conscious this would be a major challenge for me. Many friends beyond LSE were unaware of my interest in Greece; others queried if I might be seeing it as a ‘backdoor’ to some other move. They didn’t really appreciate my interest in the Hellenic Observatory.
2) What were your expectations when you first joined?
I was uncertain how I might fit in. But the place was tremendously welcoming to me. I was really impressed by the LSE’s ‘can do’ culture, providing space for everyone to do their best. The European Institute was undergoing a major transition when I arrived, it was recovering from a difficult internal LSE review. The ship was leaking. There’d been much friction. My new colleagues would often bore me with its history. There was an air of uncertainty. On the other hand, the EI comprised lots of young, aspirant academics – there was a ‘buzz’ about the place, that was slightly intimidating, but also very promising.
Soon, I would be asked to become Head of the European Institute – I was to serve as such on three occasions – and we shifted the focus to the future. My colleagues were brilliant, very supportive. We developed and shared a mission: to develop and strengthen the EI. We became a model for other universities. And the EI looks much the same today.
3) What was the best part of your job?
There was so much to learn, so much to do. I enjoyed the adrenaline rush. I think the biggest single feature I’d mention was the positivity we developed: we were creating a bigger and stronger EI. I enjoyed cultivating new donations from outside philanthropists – getting used to talking ‘big numbers’ – to create new endowed chairs, for example. I’ve also always got a kick from choreographing public events – the EI hosted many leading Europeans.
4) What has been the most memorable moment during your time at the European Institute?
I’ll pass over the negatives and say flying to Shanghai for one night to sign an agreement that led to our double degree with Fudan. I came back next day and taught a 10am seminar. My students were speechless.
5) What is your favourite place on campus?
The Old Theatre when there’s a big public event on. It needs a major refurbishment and this is planned, I believe.
6) What advice would you give to current students here at LSE?
Look beyond your coursework and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy so much else the LSE has to offer – not least, go to a variety of public events, to be stimulated and have your horizons lifted. There’s nothing like the LSE.
The European Institute held a reception in honour of Professor Kevin Featherstone's two decades in the department on 17 September 2024, featuring speeches from Professor Larry Kramer, LSE President and Vice-Chancellor and Professor Simon Glendinning, Head of the European Institute. (pictured below)
Thank you Kevin for sharing these fond memories with the LSE European Institute! We wish you well in your continuing role as Professorial Research Fellow at the Hellenic Observatory Centre!