A former MP and a campaigning peer have been made joint chancellors in a first for the University of Southampton.
Former education secretary Justine Greening and Lord Patel of Bradford were welcomed to the university during Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.
Ms Greening, who graduated from Southampton with a degree in Business and Accounting in 1990, was an MP from 2005 to 2019.
She served as Secretary of State for Education for two years and has since been an active campaigner for social mobility and equal opportunity.
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She said: “The University of Southampton led to so many opportunities and experiences for me as a student, so I am delighted to be taking up the role of chancellor.
“Inspiring social mobility initiatives such as the Ignite programme, which provides support for underrepresented students, is making a real difference to people’s lives.
“Congratulations to all those who are graduating.”
Lord Patel is a patron for the University’s India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development and chair of the India Business Group.
He previously worked as a social worker before going into academia and government roles relating to health, education and social care.
He said: “Graduation is such a special occasion for the students, their families and all the teachers who have helped them along the way.
“I’m proud to be involved and look forward to many more graduation ceremonies in the future.”
The chancellor is a ceremonial figurehead, presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for the university.
More than 4,000 students collected their undergraduate degrees, masters degrees and postgraduate qualifications during this year’s ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall and Winchester Cathedral.
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Professor Mark E. Smith, said: “The appointment of joint chancellors is a first for the University of Southampton and possibly for the UK and I look forward to working with them both in support of our University’s growth and continued success.”
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