A peerage for Floella
The Chancellor of the University of Exeter Floella Benjamin has been made a peer in the Dissolution Honours list.
She said: 'I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to serve my country in a significant way and will be concentrating on children, young people and education.'
Floella Benjamin was born in Trinidad in 1949 and came to England as a child in 1960. She left school at 16 with the aim of becoming Britain’s first ever black woman bank manager but changed direction and became an actress, presenter, writer, independent producer and an active advocate for the welfare, care and education of children throughout the world. She is married with two children.
The post of Chancellor dates back to 1955 when the University of Exeter was created with the award of a Charter from Her Majesty the Queen. In 55 years, Floella Benjamin is only the fifth Chancellor of the University of Exeter. The first Chancellor was Mary, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, and she was followed by Lord Amory, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, the scientist Sir Rex Richards and the barrister Lord Alexander.
Whilst the Vice-Chancellor is a full-time paid official of the University, the Chancellor is a part-time honorary appointment. The Chancellor’s most public role is to preside over degree ceremonies. Behind the scenes, the Chancellor has an important advisory role to play.
Date: 28 May 2010
