BBC Director-General Greg Dyke will be the new Chancellor of the University of York, the first former York student to be appointed to the prestigious role.
Mr Dyke, who graduated from York with a politics degree in 1974 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1999, was formally appointed by the University's Court yesterday.
He will take over from current Chancellor, Dame Janet Baker, in August next year. Dame Janet has held the position since November 1991.
Mr Dyke said he was very honoured and excited to take on the role, and hoped he could bring some ideas and support to the "fun and relaxed" university.
"I owe this university an awful lot. It changed my life," he said.
"York University took a risk when it enrolled me as a mature student with my one grade E 'A' Level.
"I hope by taking on this role I can repay the debt I owe the university."
University Vice-Chancellor Brian Cantor said the new Chancellor demonstrated the qualities they were looking for "in spades".
Dame Janet welcomed the choice of a former student as the university's fifth Chancellor and said she was confident that Mr Dyke would be a "tremendous ambassador" for the university.
As the university's figurehead, Mr Dyke's official duties will be to confer degrees and chair the university's court. His term of office will be five years.
Updated: 10:28 Saturday, November 29, 2003
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