Sir Lenny Henry made chancellor of Birmingham university
Dudley's most famous son Sir Lenny Henry has been named the new chancellor of Birmingham City University.
The actor, writer, comedian and charitable campaigner will visit the university's campus today (WEDS) to start preparing for his five-year term.
The relationship with the star follows a tour of the campus earlier in the year when Sir Lenny saw the university's work in the creative arts with young people from a range of diverse backgrounds.
He was also shown the university's industry standard media facilities, including four TV studios, radio recording studios and Europe's largest static green screen.
Sir Lenny said: "Taking on the role of chancellor at Birmingham City University is a superb opportunity for me to pursue three passions – Birmingham and the West Midlands, the creative arts and giving life changing opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
"Birmingham City University has facilities that rival anything in the television industry, is right in the centre of a city that has changed beyond recognition in recent years and offers the sort of contemporary education I would have killed for when I was a kid."
Last year Sir Lenny wrote and starred in 'Danny and the Human Zoo', a fictionalised account of his life as a teenager in 1970s Dudley which was partly shot in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Earlier this year, he was presented with a special Bafta award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to television.
Professor Cliff Allan, vice-chancellor at the university, said: "We are absolutely delighted that one of the country's most well-known personalities is to be our new chancellor.
"He not only encapsulates the University's commitment to both the arts and widening participation, but he is a strong advocate for Birmingham and the region, including his home town of Dudley.
"What I'm most excited by is that Sir Lenny doesn't want to be a remote ceremonial figure but is determined to play an active role as a hands-on chancellor.
"He will have his own office and staff to enable him to be a big part of what we do over the next five years."
In 2017 the university will also open a new School of Education and Life Sciences at its City South Campus in Edgbaston – offering sports, nutrition and teaching courses in a new £41 million facility.
Sir Lenny Henry succeeds the current chancellor, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ray Hassall.
