Positive reactions to nationally acclaimed journalist’s appointment to key ambassadorial role
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) new Chancellor Ranvir Singh has said she is “deeply honoured to be given the chance to lead the charge for a great place of learning.”
The 39-year-old journalist and TV presenter who is Preston born and bred was appointed as the third Chancellor of UCLan on Friday at an official inauguration ceremony held at Preston Guild Hall. Professor Mike Thomas was also sworn-in as the University’s fourth Vice-Chancellor on the same occasion.
Ranvir and Professor Thomas were warmly welcomed into the UCLan family by the many guests that attended the inauguration and on social media where people took to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to share their experiences of the event.
Alongside close family and friends, Ranvir also invited former colleagues and old school teachers from Woodlands Primary and Kirkham Grammar Schools who all played a part in her successful journey that has led her to present Good Morning Britain, ITV Evening News and News at Ten, and the Tonight programme.
"To turn down covering Donald Trump’s inauguration to be here today is phenomenal, not many would do that and it just demonstrates what a loyal person she is."
Ranvir’s former colleague Gordon Burns, who shared the BBC North West Tonight sofa with her for five years before he retired, attended the ceremony. He said: “I am thrilled she’s been given this role. Ranvir is a fantastic talent and I knew from day one that she was heading to the top. Training potential presenters usually takes a week but I knew from the first rehearsal that Ranvir was ready.
“We’ve always got on like a house on fire and spent much of our time laughing. Now she’s making it down south but she will always be loyal to her roots. To turn down covering Donald Trump’s inauguration to be here today is phenomenal, not many would do that and it just demonstrates what a loyal person she is.”
Current BBC North West Tonight presenter Annabel Tiffin was also a guest. She commented: “Ranvir is a great friend and it’s fantastic that she’s been given this recognition. We worked together for a long time and although she no longer works for the BBC, we all stay close and keep in touch.”
Kirkham Grammar School teacher Adrian Long Tweeted: “She came on my school trip to Paris age 12. I taught her A-Level French & wrote her reference age 18. Now @ranvir01 is Chancellor of @UCLan!”
"The University puts the name of Preston out there on a global scale and attracts people to the city which is great for the area."
Professor Thomas was also well received with the Vicar of Preston, Father Timothy Lipscomb, saying: “The University puts the name of Preston out there on a global scale and attracts people to the city which is great for the area. Professor Mike Thomas will bring a sense of community to the post as he is very enthusiastic about working with people in the city of Preston.”
The inauguration ceremony was closely followed on Twitter using the hashtag #TheUCLanExperience and the full story on the event can be found on the UCLan news pages Photos from the event can be viewed on the UCLan Flickr gallery.
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