SWMTC employs a highly talented staff of academics, experienced practitioners and creative thinkers. See also below for information about SWMTC governance and trustees.
Staff

Principal: Revd Dr Lucy Larkin
Vice Principal: Revd Dr Dominic Cyrus
After gaining a BSc in civil engineering and working as a site engineer, Dominic followed his passion for theology and ministry. He completed his second BA in ‘Bible and Theology’ and MA in ‘Theology and Hermeneutics’. Dominic trained for ordained ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge whilst completing a PhD in Systematic Theology at King’s College, London. He served his curacy in a deprived Black Country parish in the West Midlands. He has significant experience in teaching theology and giving seminars and papers at various levels and contexts in the UK and Europe.
Academic Registrar: Dr Cherryl Hunt
The Academic Registrar oversees SWMTC’s academic programmes and is the person to contact if you have any questions about studying with us. Cherryl Hunt has PhDs in cell biology and theology. As well as being part-time Academic Registrar for SWMTC she pursues research interests into how ordinary modern Christians might better engage their ancient scriptures. Her other interests and teaching include the letters of Paul, and how the Bible is used in ethical debate, especially around scientific topics such as the environment, and the status of the early human embryo.
Director of Phase 2 Officer for Exeter: Revd Preb Kim Mathers
Kim has responsibility for Phase 2 of clergy training in the Diocese of Exeter & is also a part-time Team Vicar in the Sid Valley Mission Community. Kim Mathers studied law at Southampton University then theology in London and Bristol. She was among the first women to be priested in 1994, and worked in parishes in the diocese of Winchester, Bristol and Rochester before coming to the Diocese of Exeter in 2004. Before joining SWMTC, Kim was Team Rector of a benefice of eleven rural churches in North Devon, during which time she gained valuable experience as a training incumbent for a number of curates and as a Training Minister to Ordinands.
Staff Tutor for Devon: Revd Preb Sue Sheppard
Staff Tutors have day-to-day oversight of students and candidates living in their geographical areas, and lead their tutor group. Sue is also a part-time Assistant Priest for the Whiddon Mission Community. Sue Sheppard has a BA in History from the University of Exeter and a PGCE from Durham University. She trained with SWMTC 1995-1998, gaining an MA in Theology from the University of Exeter. She was ordained Priest in 1999, and became chaplain of St Peter’s Church of England High School in Exeter. She joined the staff of SWMTC in 2005. After a spell as Acting Principal in 2008, she was appointed Director of the Initial Ministerial Education Phases 1-3 programme. She is also Director of the Durham University (Common Awards) Module, Brief Introduction to Church History.

Staff Tutor for Cornwall: Canon Nigel Marns
Director of Reader Training for Cornwall: Dr John Iervins
Bio to follow
Programmes Coordinator and Administrator: Lisa Coupland
Lisa trained with SWMTC and was ordained in June 2022. She now serves as Associated Curate for the Meneage Benefice and Kerrier Deanery in Truro Diocese, alongside her current role here at SWMTC. Lisa’s working life began as a laboratory technician before moving into the business side of sales and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry. She then moved to Nova Scotia in Canada with her husband and children, where they lived for three years. On her return to the U.K., she returned for a short time to the pharmaceutical industry, before taking up a management position in the health sector. Lisa is a lover of animals, particularly dogs and horses. A keen horsewoman she can often be seen at horse shows throughout the West country with her ponies.
Chaplains
Chaplains to Ordinands & Readers at residential weekends: Revd Juliet Horwood, Revd Sandra Gill & Richard Frost.
Other staff
We have a number of other specialist staff who teach on evening classes, at residential weekends, study days and curate events. We are also supported by dedicated volunteer staff who serve as teachers, personal tutors, and spouse accompaniers.
Governance
The South West Ministry Training Course is a company limited by guarantee (company number 3070559 and registered charity number 1056606).
Trustees:
- The Rt Revd Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter
- The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro
- The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St German (Acting Chair)
- Revd Dr Mark Butchers
- Revd Canon Professor Morwenna Ludlow
- Dr Jon Curtis
- Charles Mills
- Hamish Adam
- Revd Elly Sheard
- Revd Preb Philip Sourbut
- Rachel Mitchell
- Sally Piper
Special advisors to the trustees:
- Revd Prof Andrew Lewis
- Revd Preb Gina Radford
- Ben de Cruz