Sir Lenny Henry appointed Birmingham university chancellor
- Sir Lenny Henry has been appointed Chancellor of Birmingham City University
- He will serve a five year term, with the university saying he'll play an "active role as a hands-on Chancellor"
- Sir Lenny says "It is so exciting, I could burst."
Sir Lenny Henry said that Birmingham City University is the 'dopest' place to be a student as he was unveiled as the institution's new Chancellor today.
Speaking today of his new appointment he said: "I get to wear a cape, I get a horse drawn carriage to take me around all the different campus sites! I get to be Shrek when I go to the animation studio and I get to make a grime album in the recording studio.
"It is so exciting, I could burst. I want to come here and be here. Wait a second... I am the Chancellor. I am coming here!"
Sir Lenny, who grew up in nearby Dudley, took a tour of the campus earlier this year to see how the university opens doors to the creative arts for young people from a range of diverse backgrounds - an area he is particularly interested in.
During today's visit, Sir Lenny met with current students and offered them advice as they think about their own future careers: "Have some fun in the industry. Make learning fun, make creativity fun. Go outside sometimes, it is good, but don't go crazy."
The comedian will serve a five year term as Chancellor at Birmingham City University and will be formally installed in November this year.
On accepting the post of Chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry said: "Taking on the role of Chancellor at Birmingham City University is a superb opportunity for me to pursue my three passions: 1. Birmingham and the West Midlands; 2. The creative arts; 3. Giving life changing opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds."
Professor Cliff Allan, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, says: "We are absolutely delighted that one of the country's most well-known personalities is to be our new Chancellor. He not only encapsulates the University's commitment to both the arts and widening participation, but he is a strong advocate for Birmingham and the region, including his home town of Dudley.
"Sir Lenny joins at a very exciting time for the University, as we continue to develop facilities that are the envy of other universities and even industry professionals. What I'm most excited by is that Sir Lenny doesn't want to be a remote ceremonial figure but is determined to play an active role as a hands-on Chancellor. He will have his own office and staff to enable him to be a big part of what we do over the next five years."
Lenny Henry's next acting role will be in ITV drama Broadchurch.
