THE University of Kent at Canterbury has appointed Professor Sir Robert Worcester as its new Chancellor. He succeeds Sir Crispin Tickell who is retiring after ten years in the role.

Sir Robert will be installed as Chancellor during a degree ceremony to be held in July at Canterbury Cathedral, and will take up his duties in August.

In a varied and glittering career he has among other things founded MORI (Market & Opinion Research International), written more than a dozen books, and appeared regularly as a columnist in national newspapers.

In 2005, Sir Robert was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.

He is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Kent and a Kent County Council appointed Kent Ambassador.

Sir Robert, who is also a non-executive director of the Kent Messenger Group, said: “I am very pleased to accept the role of Chancellor at the University of Kent.

“Throughout my career I have seen the contributions made by people who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners and well-rounded citizens, all attributes which graduates from Kent have demonstrated.

“The University of Kent has high levels of expertise in social policy, politics, the environment and business among other disciplines, and it is immensely pleasing to me to be associated with a university whose strengths mirror so many of my own interests.”

University Vice-Chancellor Professor David Melville said: “We are greatly honoured to have someone of Sir Robert’s profile, calibre and experience.

“He will bring to this leadership position not only an in-depth understanding of higher education but also an international reputation for his political, social and economic analysis and research.”