BBC presenter Anita Rani appointed the chancellor of the University of Bradford
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A popular BBC television and radio presenter has been appointed as the new chancellor of the University of Bradford.
Anita Rani, who is from Bradford, said that she was “overwhelmed and humbled” after being designated the new role.
She was installed as the chancellor in the presence of her parents and brother who came to support her at the start of this new journey. Rani admitted that she felt “very emotional” knowing that they were there in the audience.
She said, “It really does feel like a very significant moment in my life, in my personal journey, and little me would never believe this was happening to her.”
Following the ceremony, the former University of Leeds student said that she wants to “put Bradford on the map” and that she wants to introduce a scholarship scheme to “help people from disadvantaged backgrounds”.
She added, “It has been a passion of mine to want to do that for years.”
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Rani, who is the co-host of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, wore a custom-made robe, a bespoke black and gold gown with matching crown designed by Central Saint Martins fashion graduate Yashana Malhotra, for the special occasion. She said her choice of outfit reflected how she would pave her journey as the chancellor.
“I wanted something a little bit different and she’s certainly created that,” she said.
“I think it sets the tone for my chancellorship – that it is going to be done in a modern way and it is all about shining the light on other people, celebrating other people while I’m here.”
According to the BBC, her duties as the chancellor “will include conferring degrees on graduating students and chairing the university’s court”.
Rani was all praises for Bradford as she added that it has “so much to offer culturally”.
She continued, “It cultured me and I think it needs to shout about it.”
