Anita Rani named University of Bradford Chancellor

Anita Rani has been announced as the University of Bradford’s Chancellor.

As Chancellor Anita, who presents a range of TV and radio shows including Countryfile, will play a key role in the university’s life.

She will also be an ambassador for the institution, in the UK and internationally.

When she is installed in spring 2023, Anita’s official duties will include conferring degrees on graduating students and chairing the University’s Court.

Anita said: “I am thrilled that this is happening.

“Who would have thought that a girl from a Punjabi family who grew up in Bradford would one day hold this position?

“I am honoured to become the University of Bradford’s Chancellor and to be able to give back to the city that gave me so much.

“As Chancellor, I will be encouraging students to soak it all up, make the most of opportunities and then to be brave, ambitious, and resilient when they graduate – confident that they have what they need to succeed.

“I am passionate about education; the people and experiences I encountered at university made me the person I am today.

“The University of Bradford is committed to preparing the next generations of leaders, entrepreneurs, employees and maybe even broadcasters.

“What I love is that it is really making a difference while staying committed to being inclusive and enabling people from disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their potential.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the whole University community to thrive.”

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said:

“Anita is our perfect choice as Chancellor: bold, witty and fiercely independent, she represents our University’s values and ambition – plus being a proud Bradfordian, she is as passionate about this great city as we are.

“As someone who has managed to reach the heart of the establishment in ways that no Asian woman has done before.”

“Anita will be an inspirational role model to our students and an excellent ambassador for the University of Bradford. We cannot wait to welcome her onto the team.”

One of the Chancellor’s most important roles is presiding over the University’s twice-yearly graduation ceremonies.

Anita Rani’s first ceremonies as Chancellor will take place in summer 2023, where she will address the graduands and their loved ones as they celebrate their achievements.

Anita will succeed Kate Swann as Chancellor of the University of Bradford.

Kate was officially installed in February 2016, in the University’s 50th anniversary year, and stepped down in summer 2022.