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NEW ROLE: Baroness Doreen Lawrence

BARONESS DOREEN Lawrence of Clarendon has been revealed as the next chancellor of De Montfort University.

The mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, who was selected following a nominations process involving staff and students, will succeed entrepreneur Lord Alli, who stepped down from the role after nine years in the summer.

Baroness Lawrence said she was “delighted” to be joining the institution.

"I am a huge believer in education's power to transform lives for the better and am thrilled to become part of DMU at such an exciting time for the university," she said. "As chancellor I will be involved in the lives of young people at DMU, both now and in the future, and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their ambitions and be the very best that they can be."

The 62-year-old civil rights campaigner was hailed for her "strong desire to champion issues affecting students, education and social change" and called an "advocate for many of the values held dear by staff, students and the wider community."

Last year, Baroness Lawrence was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the Leicester-based university and in the same year named as one of the most powerful women in the UK.

Welcoming her appointment, vice-chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard said: "Baroness Lawrence epitomises DMU's ethos of public good and uses her position to challenge convention to be a force for positive change.

"She champions issues affecting education and social reform and will inspire our students to make a real difference in society."
Ian Blatchford, chair of the board of governors, said: "She will be an outstanding ambassador for the transformative power of education and a wonderful role model for our students."

Baroness Lawrence's role will be as ceremonial head of the university, its figurehead and ambassador.

An inauguration ceremony will be held at the university early next year.