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'My aim is to inspire and be inspired': Lemn Sissay voted in as next chancellor of Manchester University

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The award-winning poet, writer and broadcaster Lemn Sissay MBE has been elected as the next chancellor of the University of Manchester, the university said on Monday. He beat Sir Mark Elder, director of Halle Music, and Lord Mandelson, and will take up his new role on 1 August. Out of 17, 883 votes cast, Sissay won with 7,131. Sir Mark Elder received 5,483, and Lord Mandelson 5,269. Sissay said: “Reach for the top of the tree and you may get to the first branch but reach for the stars and you'll get to the top of the tree.  My primary aim is to inspire and be inspired. I am proud to be chancellor of this fantastic university and extremely grateful to everyone who voted for me.”

The election of a new ceremonial figurehead for the University followed the completion of the seven-year tenure of current chancellor, Tom Bloxham MBE, the founder of Manchester-based property development company Urban Splash.

Lemn Sissay is an associate artist at London’s Southbank Centre, patron of the Letterbox Club and fellow of the Foundling Museum. He is also the author of a series of books of poetry, alongside articles, records, radio documentaries, public art, and plays. He was born to an Ethiopian mother in Lancashire in 1967. He was brought up by foster parents until the age of 12, when he was placed in a succession of children’s homes.  

Manchester University’s president and vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “My warm and sincere congratulations go to Lemn on his election to be our next chancellor. I look forward to welcoming him to the university community and working with him to promote our ambitious plans over the coming years.”

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Julian (Admin)

Tue 30th Jun 2015 18:27

What an interesting few days for northern poets and universities. In Lemn's (Norman's) case, a wonderful, inspiring journey from being (quite literally) a son of Wigan to this lofty position. Manchester will be the greater for it.

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