Judge Wendy Beetlestone Installed as University of Liverpool’s First Female and Black Chancellor

Judge Wendy Beetlestone Installed as University of Liverpool’s First Female and Black Chancellor

(IN BRIEF) Judge Wendy Beetlestone, an alumna of the University of Liverpool, has been formally installed as the institution’s eleventh Chancellor. Wendy, the university’s first female and first Black Chancellor, expressed gratitude for her time at Liverpool, which she credits for laying the groundwork for her professional life and career. Her installation took place during the Summer Graduation celebrations, where over 5,500 students are graduating in person. Wendy, a TV journalist turned District Court Judge, was nominated by former US President Barack Obama in 2014. She reflects on her journey and aims to contribute to the university community and support its graduates. Wendy will also visit the University of Liverpool Rowing Club, one of the university’s oldest clubs, to engage with students and learn about their experiences. Wendy succeeds Colm Tóibín as Chancellor, following a formal nomination and approval process.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 19-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Judge Wendy Beetlestone was formally installed as the new Chancellor of the University of Liverpool. Wendy is the University’s eleventh Chancellor and the institution’s first female, and first Black, Chancellor.

An alumna of the University, Wendy was born in Nigeria and educated in Yorkshire and Cardiff. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy in 1984. Wendy commented: “It was my experience at Liverpool that laid the groundwork for my professional life and had a profound impact on my career. I learned how to think, how to lead, how to plan out a future. Liverpool did for me exactly what a university should do: it prepared me for life.”

She has been installed as Chancellor during this week’s Summer Graduation celebrations, where more than 5,500 students will graduate in person at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall.

After graduating from the University, Wendy embarked on a career as a TV journalist, then entered the legal profession. In 2014 she was nominated by US President Barack Obama to serve as a District Court Judge. Her jurisdiction covers both civil and criminal cases involving the US Constitution, US statutes, and diversity cases between citizens of different states.

Wendy Beetlestone was formally installed by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones at a graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She continued: “As a graduate of the University of Liverpool, it was a huge honour to be installed as Chancellor today. Not only was I formally welcomed into the University community, I was delighted to play a role in the graduation ceremony and help celebrate and congratulate members of the class of 2023.

“Being part of this special occasion has given me the chance to reflect on my own journey. I am so glad for the education I received and the opportunities I had at the University which provided me with a springboard for all that followed.”

During her time in Liverpool, Wendy will also visit the University of Liverpool Rowing Club. Established in 1926, it is one of the University’s oldest clubs. Rowing is a sport Wendy has taken up in recent years and she was keen to meet members of the team. Here she will find out about their experiences of studying at and representing the University.

Wendy succeeds Colm Tóibín, who carried out the role from 2017 until 2022. Her appointment was formally approved by the University’s Council following a nomination process last year.

Media Contacts:

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool