Lennox appointed to chancellor role
GLASGOW Caledonian University (GCU) has announced its first female chancellor is to be pop star Annie Lennox.
The Oscar-winning singer and philanthropist, who has the title Dr following the awarding of multiple honourary degrees, takes over from Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus.
She was appointed by the University Court yesterday and will be formally installed during a ceremony at Glasgow Caledonian University in July 2018.
Dr Lennox said: “It is truly a remarkable honour to be invited to become chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University.
“I am humbled by it and intend to serve this outstanding institution in the very best way I can.
“Following in the footsteps of such an exemplary individual as Muhammad Yunus is somewhat daunting but I’m very much looking forward to working with everyone in a collaborative way, so I can be of good value to the students and the establishment of university.”
Professor Yunus remains a lifelong friend to the university as emeritus chancellor and said he was “very happy to know that Dr Lennox had accepted the invitation to become the next and first-ever female chancellor of GCU”.
The role of chancellor involves formal and ceremonial duties, conferring degrees on students, and supporting and promoting the university.
Professor Pamela Gillies, vice-chancellor of GCU, said: “The vision and inspirational leadership of chancellor Lennox will continue to set the moral compass, strategic direction and social actions of our university for the common good.
“The students, staff, and lay governors of the university feel privileged indeed that she has accepted the role of chancellor and are excited by the prospect of what we might now achieve together over the coming years.”
Throughout her career spanning more than 30 years, the former Eurythmics singer has so far received an Oscar, four Grammy Awards, eight Brit Awards and four Ivor Novello Awards.