She was Principal of St Mary's College at the University of Durham,[2] and remains a professor in the Department of Theology and Religion.
[9] She later recounted how she was given a leaflet on her first day of theological college that said "A woman’s place is not at the altar but in the kitchen; put on an apron and get back to where you belong".
[9] Serving under the dean, she organised and led services in King's College Chapel including the Nine Lessons and Carols, provided pastoral support, and taught modern theology.
[9] She is the author of five books and numerous articles, on topics including biblical interpretation and the relationship between theology and the arts.
Her 2013 book, Like the Wideness of the Sea, on arguments for the consecration of women as bishops, was cited in a debate in the UK parliament on the subject.
[1] Dawn has written articles for The Guardian,[15] The Christian Century,[16] and the Bible Reading Fellowship, and has appeared on BBC religion programs including Prayer for the Day.