YolanDa Brown named University of Kent chancellor

Double Mobo award winner YolanDa Brown has been appointed as the University of Kent's new chancellor.

The saxophonist and broadcaster succeeds former BBC Newsnight journalist Gavin Esler, who retired after almost 10 years in the role.

Ms Brown graduated from the university with a first-class undergraduate masters degree in European management science with Spanish.

She described her time at the university as "life affirming", and said "every single time I am on campus a new memory returns, so you can imagine my joy accepting this role as chancellor".

Ms Brown, who will be installed during graduation ceremonies in July, has collaborated with artists including Jools Holland, Billy Ocean and The Temptations.

She won "Best Jazz" act at the Mobo Awards in 2008 and 2009, and chaired the Youth Music charity for six years.

The musician is now a sitting member of the Arts Council, chairs the BPI, which represents UK record labels, and was recently appointed a member of the Arts and Media Honours committee by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

As chancellor her duties will include conferring degrees, chairing the University's court and representing it on special occasions.

Vice Chancellor Professor Karen Cox described Ms Brown as an "outstanding and inspirational role model".

"Her passion for, commitment to and experience in education make her perfect for the role," she said.

Ms Brown said the university had "always been at the forefront of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community".

She said: "I am excited to work alongside the talented staff, and students to build on this foundation."

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