12 June 2008

Sir Michael Parkinson appointed as first Chancellor

Sir Michael Parkinson CBE, has been appointed Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, the UK’s leading post-92 university*. The appointment, a historic first for the institution, will see Sir Michael undertake a number of duties, including representing the University on special occasions and conferring degrees at graduation ceremonies.

Starting out as a journalist for local Yorkshire newspapers, Sir Michael then worked for the Manchester Guardian and later the Daily Express before moving into television in the 1960s. He is best known to millions for his hugely successful talk show, Parkinson, which ran from 1971 to 1982 and then again from 1998 to December last year. He was awarded a Knighthood of the Order of the British Empire in the 2008 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to broadcasting.

Sir Michael has never attended university but is a firm believer in the role it plays in the identification and development of young talent.

He said: “I am honoured to be offered the Chancellorship at Nottingham Trent University. In television I have always worked with young, ambitious people and I am keen to be involved in this university which helps to realise the aspirations of the young. It will also give me an opportunity to see what I missed!”

Sir Michael’s appointment as Chancellor was enthusiastically endorsed at a recent meeting of Nottingham Trent University’s Board of Governors. Beyond the formal duties, Sir Michael will play an important role in promoting the work of the institution.

Nottingham Trent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Gorman, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Sir Michael has accepted this position. This is our first Chancellor appointment and it was very important that we were able to match the role with someone who shares the same ambitions that we do.

“It is also vitally important, if we are to compete in a global market, that we enthuse, inspire and motivate people to aim higher. Nottingham Trent University has an excellent track record in doing just that and we look forward to being able to work with Sir Michael to spread the message about the benefits of university education, particularly at this university!”

Sir Michael’s official installation as Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University will take place in a special ceremony on Tuesday 11 November, at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Nottingham Trent University is a large, vibrant and modern university with a mission to deliver education and research that shapes lives and society. It is in the top three universities in England and Wales for its graduate employment rate (HESA performance figures 2006-2007). Over 97% of graduates with first degrees from full-time study are employed or went on to further study within six months of graduation.

This strength derives from the University’s close links with more than 6,000 employers across the world. These links make it ideally placed to design and deliver courses relevant to society’s needs.

*In April 2008, The Good University Guide, in association with The Independent, ranked Nottingham Trent University as the top post-92 university in the UK. In the same month the latest UCAS figures showed that the university had seen the largest increase in applications to its undergraduate degree courses of all UK universities. More information is available on www.ntu.ac.uk.

Press enquiries please contact Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.