UCLan announces new Chancellor

 Former postgraduate alumna accepts prestigious honour

The distinguished Preston-born national news broadcaster Ranvir Singh has been named as the new Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The announcement was made by Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board David Taylor as graduating students received their awards in front of proud parents during Monday afternoon’s ceremony at Preston Guild Hall.

Ranvir, a former UCLan postgraduate journalism student and UCLan Honorary Fellow, was at the ceremony to offer her congratulations to this year’s graduating cohort.

She will take up her new UCLan position officially in the autumn when current Chancellor Sir Richard Evans steps down after 15 years of dedicated and committed service. 

In her new role Ranvir will carry out a number of duties, including representing the University at special occasions, working to raise the University’s profile and advance its interests both nationally and internationally as well as conferring degrees and other academic awards at University ceremonies. 

Ranvir graduated from the University with a postgraduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism in 2000 and received her UCLan Honorary Fellowship in 2013 for her contribution to broadcasting.

Commenting on the announcement Ranvir said: “I am immensely proud to accept the University’s offer of becoming its new Chancellor. I’m Preston born and bred, I studied for my postgraduate degree in journalism here and the experience helped to shape me and my career. I am honoured to be given this opportunity of helping inspire the next generation of talent coming through. I have seen the University’s exciting £200 million Campus Masterplan proposals and the future looks very bright. I can’t wait to be part of it.” 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas added: “We are delighted to welcome Ranvir as only the third Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire. Having grown up in the City and studied here, Ranvir’s individual qualities and professional achievements make her an ideal fit for this unique ambassadorial role and to follow Sir Richard’s outstanding period as Chancellor. It’s a real coup for the University and I know she will be an excellent role model for our students.” 

David Taylor, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board, said: “As well as welcoming Ranvir we would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Evans who has been a truly distinguished Chancellor since 2001. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work both at home and abroad where he has played a crucial role in the development of our international strategy and successful fundraising initiatives such as the Harris Bursary Fund.  

“In the last five years more than 500 financially disadvantaged, Lancashire-based students have gained valuable support from the Harris Bursary Fund which is a great tribute to Sir Richard’s commitment and support for bright, yet financially challenged students.” 

Outgoing Chancellor Sir Richards Evans commented: “I look back with enormous pride on the 15 years I have spent in this role. During that time the University has grown into the one of the UK’s largest and last year broke into the top 4% of all worldwide universities. I think Ranvir is the ideal person to take up the baton and to become the University’s new Chancellor, she will be a real asset and I wish her well.” 

 Ranvir's second prime time series "Real Stories with Ranvir Singh" returns to ITV on Thursday night at 7.30pm.