Students, staff, alumni and members of the University's Senate, Council and Court are invited to suggest names of suitable people who might be appointed as Chancellor of the University of Kent.
Following
the completion of two terms as the University’s Chancellor, it has been
confirmed that Gavin Esler will step down from the position at the end of January
2024. Among his duties since he took up the post in 2014 have been the conferring of degrees, chairing the University’s Court,
and representing the University on special occasions.
An
alumnus of Kent, having graduated with a BA in English and American
Literature in 1974, the writer, commentator and former BBC presenter was
also awarded an honorary MA by the University in 1995 and an
honorary Doctorate of Civil Law in 2005. More recent generations of alumni know
him as ‘the face of graduations’, having shaken hands with thousands of
graduands as they received their degrees in Canterbury and Rochester
Cathedrals, encouraging a joyous and celebratory atmosphere for all.
During his ten years
in post, Gavin Esler has worked hard to support Kent students, particularly
through raising money for student hardship through the ‘In Conversation’ and
other events, working closely with Kent Union on the Brexit battle bus and playing
a leading role in fundraising for the Covid hardship campaign in 2020.
He also played a key
role in the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015, the QI Live at
Kent television broadcast, Dateline Kent, Dare to Ask and many other events. As
the only Chancellor in its history to have studied at Kent, he is also a
favourite of the alumni community, regularly hosting events, including the most
recent reception for alumni, at the Old Bailey in June, and our ‘Golden
Graduations’ in July.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have continued my long association with the University of Kent. As the search for my successor begins, I wish the University – its students, staff and alumni – all the very best.”
Nominations for the new University Chancellor
Staff, students and
alumni are now being invited to submit nominations for the University’s new
Chancellor.
Among the criteria for selection are a commitment to the values of
the University, including equality and diversity, a commitment to higher
education and the opportunities it affords for widening access, work and
achievements that provide an inspiration for our students, and the ability to
demonstrate the highest quality and integrity in their chosen walk of life. For
the full list of criteria, click on the link below.
Submissions should be made on the online form below. Suggestions will be considered by a Joint
Committee for the Appointment of the Chancellor, and an agreed recommendation
will be forwarded to the Senate and Council for approval. All submissions should be received by 30th September 2023.
