Incoming Chancellor Ranvir Singh with outgoing Chancellor Richard Evans

Preston’s university is to be spearheaded by one of its most famous female alumni.

Broadcaster Ranvir Singh has been named as the new chancellor for the University of Central Lancashire.

Ranvir graduated in 2000 with a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism, after growing up and studying in the city.

Her ceremonial role includes representing the university at events, raising UCLan’s profile and presenting awards at graduation ceremonies.

The ITV presenter said: “I am immensely proud to accept the University’s offer of becoming its new Chancellor. I’m Preston born and bred, I studied for my postgraduate degree in journalism here and the experience helped to shape me and my career.

“I am honoured to be given this opportunity of helping inspire the next generation of talent coming through. I have seen the University’s exciting £200 million Campus Masterplan proposals and the future looks very bright. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

I too am 'honoured and humbled' to become the new #Chancellor … 😉. @UCLan on a day of women getting great gigs! pic.twitter.com/LuDGkLKsGf

— ranvir singh (@ranvir01) July 11, 2016

Her second prime time series Real Stories with Ranvir Singh returns on Thursday but she made the time to visit Preston Guild Hall on Monday for the first set of graduation ceremonies.

The 38-year-old replaces current Chancellor Sir Richard Evans who steps down after 15 years.

David Taylor, Ranvir Singh, Richard Evans and Mike Thomas

UCLan vice-chancellor Professor Mike Thomas said: We are delighted to welcome Ranvir as only the third Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire. Having grown up in the City and studied here, Ranvir’s individual qualities and professional achievements make her an ideal fit for this unique ambassadorial role and to follow Sir Richard’s outstanding period as Chancellor. It’s a real coup for the University and I know she will be an excellent role model for our students.”

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Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board David Taylor said: “As well as welcoming Ranvir we would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Evans who has been a truly distinguished Chancellor since 2001. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work both at home and abroad where he has played a crucial role in the development of our international strategy and successful fundraising initiatives such as the Harris Bursary Fund.

“In the last five years more than 500 financially disadvantaged, Lancashire-based students have gained valuable support from the Harris Bursary Fund which is a great tribute to Sir Richard’s commitment and support for bright, yet financially challenged students.”

Outgoing Chancellor Sir Richards Evans said: “I look back with enormous pride on the 15 years I have spent in this role. During that time the University has grown into the one of the UK’s largest and last year broke into the top 4% of all worldwide universities. I think Ranvir is the ideal person to take up the baton and to become the University’s new Chancellor, she will be a real asset and I wish her well.”

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