Gavin Esler, an award-winning journalist for the BBC and a Kent alumnus, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Kent.
He takes the role from Professor Sir Robert Worcester, who has been the Chancellor for seven years, as he retires.
Esler graduated from the University of Kent in 1974 with a BA in English and American Literature, and has worked with the BBC since 1977 after completing an MA at the University of Leeds. His work has included being one of the main presenters on BBC2′s Newsnight, BBC News at Five and was the Chief North American correspondent between 1989 and 1998.
He was awarded an honorary MA in 1995 by the University of Kent, and an honorary Doctor of Civil Law in 2005.
Kent’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow said: “I am delighted that Gavin Esler has accepted our invitation to be the sixth Chancellor of the University of Kent
“I am confident he will be an inspiration to all our students and a marvellous ambassador for Kent in its 50th anniversary year and beyond.”
Esler will be installed as Chancellor in July 2014 during one of the University’s congregations ceremonies.