Kate Adie

In January 2019, broadcaster and author Kate Adie became the university’s fifth Chancellor.

Kate was the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent from 1989 to 2003 and covered major international events.

She is also a prolific author on a range of subjects, including women in World War One, and presents From Our Own Correspondent on Radio 4.

Kate was appointed OBE in 1993 and CBE in 2017, and has won multiple awards, including a BAFTA Fellowship in 2018 – a lifetime achievement award given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the art forms of moving image; the highest honour the academy can bestow.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and her most public role is to preside over the university’s annual graduation ceremonies, presenting degrees to students. She will also attend other university events and serve as an ambassador for the institution in the UK and beyond.

The role was previously held by Lord Nicholas Phillips, who stepped down after ten years as Chancellor. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers was the first President of the Supreme Court and was Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.