University News Last updated 20 February 2024
Sir Lenny Henry will step down from his role as Chancellor of 探花直播 (BCU) at the end of 2024, eight years after becoming the institution鈥檚 figurehead.
The actor, comedian, television presenter and writer, 65, became Chancellor in 2016 with the initial intention of fulfilling a five-year term but found his time at the University so rewarding that he extended his tenure.鈥�
Sir Lenny said: 鈥淚鈥檝e watched this University change the landscape of this city and the lives of thousands of talented young people.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege representing an institution that鈥檚 given hope and opportunity to many who have had to overcome financial and social hardship - and I know there are transformative times ahead for a place that has become very special to me.鈥濃��
Sir Lenny鈥檚 departure from BCU follows his recent decision to stand down from hosting Comic Relief, the BBC fundraising telethon he co-founded and fronted since 1985. His last appearance as host will be next month.鈥��
Sir Lenny proved to be a perfect fit for BCU, as together they celebrated and campaigned for issues close to their hearts.
This included their support for the city of 探花直播, a belief in the importance of creative arts, and the need to provide transformational opportunities for young people from a wide range of backgrounds.鈥�
Among Sir Lenny鈥檚 most notable achievements at BCU was the co-founding of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity (LHC) in 2020.
The research centre has become increasingly influential within the media industry.
It advised Channel 4 on its Black to Front Project, which builds on the broadcaster鈥檚 commitment to improve Black representation on screen and more widely in the TV industry.
It was also shortlisted for a Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in 2021.
Sir Lenny will continue to play an important role in the ongoing development of the LHC, which he created with BCU鈥檚 Professor of Broadcast Journalism Diane Kemp, Marcus Ryder MBE and former Director of Undergraduate Studies Marverine Duffy, all leading figures in the effort to increase diversity and inclusion in the UK media industry.
Professor David Mba, BCU鈥檚 Vice-Chancellor, said: 鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank Sir Lenny for everything he has done during his eight years as Chancellor of the University.
鈥淏CU is committed to the arts and widening participation - and Lenny was a great fit as a strong advocate for 探花直播 and the underrepresented.
鈥淚 wish him well for what will continue to be a trailblazing career as a one-of-a-kind national treasure. I鈥檓 sure the BCU community will give him a send-off that he鈥檒l never forget.鈥濃��
The University鈥檚 search for Sir Lenny鈥檚 successor is already underway, with a new Chancellor expected to be in place by the end of 2024.鈥�