Lord Boateng, Chancellor of the University of Greenwich
The role of Chancellor is an important, but honorary position as figurehead of the university. The Chancellor presides at graduation ceremonies and other university events.
Lord Boateng, a Barrister who first rose to prominence as a campaigning civil liberties lawyer, has a long and distinguished political career as an MP for Brent South (1987-2005) holding many ministerial positions, including Minister of State (Home Office) and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and was Britain's first Black cabinet minister in 2001.
He served as the High Commissioner to South Africa between 2005-2009 and was introduced to the House of Lords in 2010.
He currently Chairs the Nairobi based African Enterprise Challenge Fund, a multi donor fund to promote businesses that link small farmers to global markets, and the Board of Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor which works in Africa India and Bangladesh to promote and deliver pro-poor services by urban utilities.
Vice Chancellor, Professor David Maguire said:
"We are delighted that Lord Boateng has accepted the role of Chancellor. He brings a wealth of experience of public and political life, which will be enormously beneficial to the university.
"He has a long history of championing young people within society both as the first Minister for Young People and having launched the UK's largest research project designed to examine social exclusion and promoting citizenship among young people."
On his appointment as Chancellor, Lord Boateng said:
"The University of Greenwich's commitment to access diversity and excellence is second to none. I am delighted to be associated with a University that is truly global in its outlook and contribution to sustainable development at home and abroad"
Lord Boateng succeeds Baroness Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General.
