Expert playing East German college supremo (7)

I believe the answer is:

provost

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'college supremo' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'expert playing east german' is the wordplay.
'expert' becomes 'pro' (I've seen this before).
'playing' becomes 'v' ('playing' can mean 'versus' in sports).
'east german' becomes 'ost' ('east' in German).
'pro'+'v'+'ost'='PROVOST'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for provost that I've seen before include "Scottish mayor" , "College head; minister" , "College or cathedral head" , "University college head" , "The head of certain colleges like Trinity, Dublin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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