The Rt Hon. The Baroness Ashton of Upholland GCMG PC was installed as the University of Warwick’s new Chancellor in a special ceremony on the University campus on Wednesday (May 3). She is the University’s first female Chancellor.

Baroness Ashton said:

“I am deeply honoured to be officially installed as Chancellor of the University Warwick, and especially as its first woman Chancellor. I know how important higher education and research are to individuals, communities, nations and across the world. Global connections and outreach matter more and more and I look forward to supporting the University and telling the Warwick story both here and internationally.”

Professor Stuart Croft, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, said:

“Baroness Ashton brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her advice and voice will undoubtedly further enhance the reputation of University. We’re delighted that she has accepted this role and that we can today celebrate her formal installation.”

Sir George Cox, the Chair of the University of Warwick’s Council, said:

"Lady Ashton has had a remarkable career embracing many areas and issues which are highly relevant to the University of Warwick and its values. As one of the first generation of her family to have attended university, she is passionate about the transformational power of education as a driver of social mobility."

Baroness Ashton succeeds Sir Richard Lambert who concluded his time as Warwick’s Chancellor at the end of the 2015-16 academic year.

 

Notes to editors

Baroness Catherine Ashton

After many years’ experience embracing the public, private and NGO sectors (including roles at the Social Work Training Council and Business in the Community) Catherine Ashton was appointed to the House of Lords in 1999.

The ministerial career that followed saw her first take up a role in the then Department of Education in 2001, where she served as Minister with responsibilities for all education to age 11 plus children with special educational needs, and as sole Minister in the House of Lords responsible for all education legislation.

She joined the Department of Constitutional Affairs/Justice in 2004 as Minister with responsibilities for family courts, development of Supreme Court, human rights and equality legislation.

From 2007-8 she served as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Queen’s Privy Council. During that time she took the Lisbon Treaty through the House of Lords.

In 2008 Baroness Ashton was appointed Trade Commissioner for the European Union. This led to her being appointed High Representative for Foreign Policy and First Vice President of the European Commission. Over the following five years, she tackled some of the world’s most difficult issues, operating at the very highest level. Her achievements over this period earned her widespread praise and a host of awards and honours from around the globe, including being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Her many other awards and accolades include: Stonewall Politician of the Year [first ever] for services in support of the LGBT community 2006, Channel 4 Peer of the Year 2006, The House magazine Minister of the Year 2006. She received the award of GCMG (the highest foreign policy honour) at an investiture by Her Majesty the Queen in June 2015. Baroness Ashton also holds honorary positions with a number of esteemed international bodies.

 

For further information please contact:

 

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Policy
University of Warwick
Tel UK 024 76523708 office
07767 655860 mobile
Tel Overseas: +44 (0)24 76523708 office
+44 (0)7767 655860 mobile/cell
Email p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

 

Pr901 4 May 2017

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Policy University of Warwick

Tel UK:

Office: 024 76523708

Mb: 07767 655860

Tel from Overseas:

Office: +44 (0)24 76523708

Mobile/cell: +44 (0)7767 655860

Email p dot j dot dunn at warwick dot ac dot uk