Harper Adams University has appointed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as its first chancellor.
The Princess Royal has been an honorary fellow of the university, which specialises in teaching sustainability within the food chain and rural economy,since 2006 and has visited on several occasions. She has formally opened a number of new facilities including teaching accommodation and the Regional Food Academy. During her last visit, in November 2012, The Princess Royal Hall, a new residential block for students, was named in her honour.
Dr David Llewellyn, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted that The Princess Royal has accepted our invitation to continue her association with Harper Adams by becoming our first ever chancellor. The Princess Royal has been immensely supportive of our work during previous visits and news of her appointment has been warmly welcomed by our staff and students.'
Governors at the university believe the appointment is a great credit to the institution which became a full university in December last year. Roger Mercer, chairman of the university’s board of governors, added: “This is a tremendous honour for the university. Her appointment will be of immense benefit to the entire University community and we look forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness back to Harper Adams in the not too distant future.”
A date for the formal installation of Princess Anne as the new chancellor is expected to be set later this year.A chancellor is the ceremonial figurehead of a university, and may participate in conferring degrees at graduations as well as acting in an ambassadorial capacity for the institution.
