BU is pleased to announce that Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers will serve as its next Chancellor.

Lord Phillips will assume his new appointment during the University’s annual Graduation Ceremonies in November 2009.

He succeeds Lady Dione Digby and becomes only the fourth person to assume the role.

Lord Phillips has enjoyed a distinguished legal career at the very highest levels of his profession. He is presently the UK’s most senior Law Lord.

A former Master of the Rolls, Lord Phillips was the first Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales to serve as head of the English judiciary when that function was transferred from the Lord Chancellor in April 2006.

In October this year, he will become the first President of the new Supreme Court of the UK.

Alan J Frost, Chairman of the Bournemouth University Board, said: “Securing the appointment of Lord Phillips as Chancellor is a great honour for the University.

“His personal and professional role speaks for itself and complements BU very well. We know he will perform his new role with great distinction.”

Educated at Bryanston School in Dorset, Lord Phillips undertook his national service with the Royal Navy before reading Law at King’s College, Cambridge. Lord Phillips was later called to the Bar and practised as a barrister, specialising in maritime law.

He eventually ‘took silk’ to become a Queen’s Counsel and later sat as a High Court judge on the Queen’s Bench Division , prior to becoming a member of the Court of Appeal.

BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Curran said: “We are delighted that Lord Phillips has accepted our invitation to become the fourth Chancellor of BU.

“As a major figure in British public life he will become a distinguished ambassador for the University and a leading advocate for the development of Higher Education in his beloved Dorset and beyond.”

Professor Curran also paid a glowing tribute to Lady Digby. He said: “Lady Digby’s commitment to the success of BU has made her an excellent Chancellor.

“Her undeniable passion for the University and the region has proved invaluable to the advancement of BU and we hope that her long-standing association with us will continue for years to come.”