Sir Brian Leveson has been appointed as the new Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, succeeding Queen guitarist Dr Brian May when he takes up the role at the end of this month.
Liverpool-born Leveson, who is a Lord Justice of Appeal, led the high-profile inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the media in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
His report, which was published at the end of November 2012, is currently being debated and discussed by the leaders of the main political parties as the future of journalism regulation is hammered out in Westminster.
Sir Brian, who was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by LJMU in July last year, will have his formal installation as Chancellor on May 20th.
He said: “It is with enormous pride and no small measure of humility that I accept the role of Chancellor.
“LJMU is a University with a long and distinguished history and as a son of the city of Liverpool I have long been aware of the transformational impact of the University on the lives of so many generations of students.
“The ethos of the University, summarised in the phrase, ‘dream, plan and achieve’, is an enormously powerful message in seeking to encourage anyone, from any background, to benefit from higher education.
“I share LJMU’s belief that the University should be a positive force for change, both in the lives of individuals and also in society more generally, through research, scholarship and meaningful public engagement. As Chancellor I hope to play my part in helping LJMU achieve these laudable and vitally important ambitions.”
Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice-Chancellor, said: “We believe that LJMU has a key role to play in shaping the society we know today and how we want to live in the future.
“The appointment of Sir Brian as Chancellor reflects this ambition and I have no doubt that his unparalleled professional experience and personal integrity will be of great benefit to the University as we strive to achieve our future goals.”
Dr Brian May will now join Cherie Booth QC as an Emeritus Chancellor of the University. Cherie Booth served as Chancellor between 1999 and 2006.
May said: “It has been a great honour to serve as Chancellor. I never expected my interaction with the staff and the students to be so inspiring and it has been truly humbling to share in their success at graduation every year.
“This is a great University and I look forward to continuing my association with LJMU as it embarks upon a new path, with a new Chancellor – I wish him every success.”
As Chancellor, Sir Brian Leveson’s duties will include presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for LJMU at home and abroad.