Class at Oxford with Prof. Spacey

Kevin Spacey already has two Academy Awards and heads London’s Old Vic theater. Now he can add a new title: Oxford University professor.

The Hollywood star has been named Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theater at Oxford’s St. Catherine’s College, officials there announced Friday.

Spacey will succeed Shakespearean actor and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star Patrick Stewart when the new academic year starts in October. Previous holders of the post, endowed by theater impresario Mackintosh, include composer Stephen Sondheim, playwright Alan Ayckbourn and actress Diana Rigg.

In a statement, Spacey said he was delighted to be appointed to the one-year post, which requires him to give lectures, workshops and seminars at the 800-year-old university.

“It really is an honor for me to have been invited to follow such illustrious names and take up this role at Oxford,” Spacey said. “The university is steeped in tradition and has a great heritage in the arts, and I look forward to working with the students and staff.”

He won acting Oscars for his roles in “American Beauty” and “The Usual Suspects.”