Broadcaster and author Kate Adie begins tenure as new BU Chancellor
Broadcaster and author Kate Adie has become the university’s fifth Chancellor.
Kate was the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent from 1989 to 2003 and covered major international events.
She is also a prolific author on a range of subjects, including women in World War One, and presents From Our Own Correspondent on Radio 4.
Kate was appointed OBE in 1993 and CBE earlier this year, and has won multiple awards, including a BAFTA Fellowship in 2018 – a lifetime achievement award given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the art forms of moving image; the highest honour the academy can bestow.
Kate, who lives in Dorset and received an honorary doctorate from BU in 2015, said: “It is a great honour to become the Chancellor of Bournemouth University and I look forward to carrying out the duties of the role.
“Higher Education and Dorset are both things I care passionately about and I will be a strong advocate in highlighting the important role Bournemouth University plays in learning and research in the county and the world beyond.”
The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and presides over the university’s annual Graduation ceremonies, presenting degrees to students.
They also attend other university events and serve as an ambassador for the institution in the UK and beyond.
The role was previously held by Lord Nicholas Phillips, who stepped down after ten years as Chancellor. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers was the first President of the Supreme Court and was Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.
BU Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Kate Adie as the fifth Chancellor of Bournemouth University.
“Kate joins us as we embark on BU2025, an exciting and ambitious journey that will form our new strategic vision. Her long and distinguished career in broadcasting and journalism will be an inspiration both to our new graduates and the BU community.
“I want to thank Lord Phillips for his distinguished service as our Chancellor over the last decade, which has been a time of major growth and development for the university.
“Lord Phillips has been a wonderful ambassador for BU over these last ten years, most recently at the topping out ceremony for our new Poole Gateway Building, and I know he will continue to be a great friend and supporter of the university in the future.”
