This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lkgj5j03eo
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| BBC broadcaster to become University of Suffolk chancellor | BBC broadcaster to become University of Suffolk chancellor |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Zeb Soanes says he cannot wait to get started as the new chancellor of the University of Suffolk | Zeb Soanes says he cannot wait to get started as the new chancellor of the University of Suffolk |
| A BBC radio broadcaster and best-selling children's author has described his appointment as the new chancellor of the University of Suffolk as a "profound honour". | A BBC radio broadcaster and best-selling children's author has described his appointment as the new chancellor of the University of Suffolk as a "profound honour". |
| Zeb Soanes, who is also a journalist and actor, is taking over from Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE, who spent seven years at the helm of the college. | |
| The writer, academic and women's rights activist will hand over the reins at the university's final 2025 graduation ceremony next month. | The writer, academic and women's rights activist will hand over the reins at the university's final 2025 graduation ceremony next month. |
| Mr Soanes said he was "excited" to get started, while Dr Pankhurst said it had been an "honour and privilege" to serve within the ceremonial role. | Mr Soanes said he was "excited" to get started, while Dr Pankhurst said it had been an "honour and privilege" to serve within the ceremonial role. |
| "As the university prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, I am thrilled to hand over to Zeb Soanes," she added. | "As the university prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, I am thrilled to hand over to Zeb Soanes," she added. |
| "I wish him the joy and fulfilment I have gained from sharing in the achievements of students from such diverse backgrounds and the university's success in driving positive change in Suffolk." | "I wish him the joy and fulfilment I have gained from sharing in the achievements of students from such diverse backgrounds and the university's success in driving positive change in Suffolk." |
| Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE will leave the role after seven years | Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE will leave the role after seven years |
| Mr Soanes spent 25 years at the BBC, presenting BBC Proms and working as a newsreader - as well as being the reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. | Mr Soanes spent 25 years at the BBC, presenting BBC Proms and working as a newsreader - as well as being the reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. |
| He is now a children's author and the host of Relaxing Evenings on Classic FM and performs live concerts with the UK's leading orchestras, ensembles and choirs. | He is now a children's author and the host of Relaxing Evenings on Classic FM and performs live concerts with the UK's leading orchestras, ensembles and choirs. |
| Born and bred in Suffolk, he is also the co-leader of a project to install a statue of a Benjamin Britten as a boy on the seafront opposite his birthplace in Lowestoft. | Born and bred in Suffolk, he is also the co-leader of a project to install a statue of a Benjamin Britten as a boy on the seafront opposite his birthplace in Lowestoft. |
| "It is a profound honour to be appointed chancellor of the University of Suffolk," Mr Soanes said. | "It is a profound honour to be appointed chancellor of the University of Suffolk," Mr Soanes said. |
| "I look forward to strengthening the ties between the university and the wider community of Suffolk, the county that is a very special part of who I am. | "I look forward to strengthening the ties between the university and the wider community of Suffolk, the county that is a very special part of who I am. |
| "Above all, I'm excited to help nurture and encourage an exciting second decade of our students as they set out to shape their futures." | "Above all, I'm excited to help nurture and encourage an exciting second decade of our students as they set out to shape their futures." |
| The university said its financial position was still "challenging" | The university said its financial position was still "challenging" |
| The university's vice-chancellor and chief executive, Prof Jenny Higham, welcomed Mr Soanes and sent her well wishes to the outgoing Dr Pankhurst. | The university's vice-chancellor and chief executive, Prof Jenny Higham, welcomed Mr Soanes and sent her well wishes to the outgoing Dr Pankhurst. |
| "We are grateful to Helen for the tremendous support she has given to the University and our students as our reach and reputation has grown," she said. | "We are grateful to Helen for the tremendous support she has given to the University and our students as our reach and reputation has grown," she said. |
| "I am excited to welcome Zeb and to work with him to promote both the University and the county of Suffolk as we enter our 10th anniversary year." | "I am excited to welcome Zeb and to work with him to promote both the University and the county of Suffolk as we enter our 10th anniversary year." |
| Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. | Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. |