Tracey Emin, the artist who grew up in Margate, has been named the new professor of drawing at the country's oldest art school.

The 48-year-old, whose notable works include her unmade bed and a tent embroided with the names of everyone she has ever slept with, has been asked to take up the role at London's prestigious Royal Academy.

She has held numerous exhibitions at the academy and was made a Royal Academician by 2007 – a title only awarded to "the greatest names in British contemporary art", according to the academy's website.

Christopher Le Brun, president of the Royal Academy, said he was "delighted" with Emin's appointment.

Meanwhile, Eileen Cooper, keeper of the Royal Academy Schools, said: "In the history of the Royal Academy, we've never had a female professor before. I'm proud and delighted by this development."

Earlier this year, Emin was among a dozen leading artists asked to design posters for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

She also helped launch the Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate and will hold an exhibition there next summer.