Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Professor Michael Dooley has taken up the position of Pro Chancellor at Bournemouth University.
Professor Michael Dooley has had a distinguished career as a consultant gynaecologist in both London and Dorset, as well as to the Royal Family and at the London 2012 Olympics. He has also worked as Team Doctor to the British Equestrian Federation.
As Lord Lieutenant Professor Dooley is the King’s representative in the county, where he has also previously served as High Sheriff. He plays an active role in the County to promote the King’s message of Harmony and supports a range of local and national charities.
Professor Dooley is also currently a visiting Professor at Bournemouth University, passing on his extensive medical knowledge to students.
The Chancellery of a university represents the university in a range of public roles, and act as ambassadors for the university. BU’s current Chancellor Dr Kate Adie CBE took up her position in 2019. Kate is a well-known journalist and author and has supported many events through her university role. She is supported by Dr Emma Egging OBE and Professor Richard Conder. Emma is the founder of the Jon Egging Trust, which supports 10,000 young people each year to be the best they can be, while Professor Conder has an association with Bournemouth University stretching back over 40 years, including as Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Michael Dooley will serve alongside them in place of Dr Ann Abraham and Dr Jennifer Coombs, DL, both of whom stepped down in 2024 following the completion of their period of service.
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said, “I am so delighted that Michael has agreed to deepen his relationship with the university by becoming Pro Chancellor. He has been a real friend to the university for many years and is already such an ambassador for the work we do. I am sure he will continue to represent us well, and that we’ll enjoy many more years of working together.
“I am so thankful for our Chancellery and the work they do as ambassadors of our university, and my sincere thanks go to Ann Abraham and Jennifer Coombs for their service as Pro Chancellors and for all their support. I will especially miss seeing them in their official capacity at graduation this year, though they are always welcome back as friends of the university and as part of our honorary graduate community.”
Professor Michael Dooley said, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Pro Chancellor of Bournemouth University. This is an institution whose academic excellence and commitment to learning inspire all who encounter its work, and I am delighted to play even a small part in supporting its mission.
“I do not take this role lightly. For me, this appointment is not simply a title, but a calling. It is an opportunity to work alongside students, staff, and the wider university community, encouraging and empowering each person to discover their strengths and to achieve their true potential. Bournemouth University stands as a beacon of opportunity and ambition, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success and to the success of its remarkable students and staff”.
Professor Dooley is married to Barbara, having celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary, and has three children and seven grandchildren.
More information about Bournemouth University’s Chancellery can be found on the BU website:
