Dawn French named as Falmouth University chancellor

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-29314099

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Comedian Dawn French is to become the new chancellor of Falmouth University.

The writer and performer, 56, said she "jumped at the chance" because she had trained to be a teacher and "always had a keen interest in education".

She will be officially welcomed at a formal installation ceremony in March.

The former arts college was inaugurated as a university in May last year. Vice chancellor, Professor Anne Carlisle, said the institution had "searched carefully for the right individual".

'Perfect figurehead'

Ms French, who lives in Cornwall, said: "Falmouth's ties with the creative industries are what attracted me.

"It's a beautiful place with so many subjects that are close to my heart."

Professor Anne Carlisle said: "Dawn is the perfect figurehead and inspiration for our students.

"Her passion and enthusiasm for the role and the university has already been infectious and she has a life-long association with, and total passion for, Cornwall."

The TV star played Geraldine Granger in Richard Curtis' BBC One sitcom The Vicar of Dibley from 1994-2007.

She has also starred in comedy sketch show French and Saunders with Jennifer Saunders, and Jam and Jerusalem.