BSU's New Chancellor

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Bath Spa University announces new Chancellor, Sharanjit Leyl

Bath Spa University has welcomed a new Chancellor, Bath-based former BBC News anchor, Sharanjit Leyl. Sharanjit was officially ‘installed’ with a celebration event on Wednesday 8 May 2024, in the grounds of the University’s beautiful Newton Park Campus in Bath.

The first female Chancellor of Bath Spa University, and only the second Chancellor in the institution’s almost twenty-year history, Sharanjit will act as an ambassador for the University on a local, national, and global stage.

Former BBC World News anchor, as well as a leading business and politics reporter, Sharanjit’s career took her all over the world for almost a quarter of a century, bringing a global perspective to her work. She now regularly moderates high-level debates for the United Nations, multilateral and financial institutions and advises companies and educational institutions on media strategy and diversity.

Now living between Bath and her native Singapore, Sharanjit is a Trustee for the Bath Fashion Museum, a Board member at the Holburne Museum and is delighted to become part of the Bath Spa University community to represent the values of students and staff worldwide.

Educated in North America, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a Master’s in English, Sharanjit understands what a privilege it is to study, have an education and to be curious about the world in which we live.

Sharanjit Leyl said:

“I stand here because of the socially uplifting power of education that has transformed my life. My late father, Kernail Singh Leyl, was born in Singapore to a poor immigrant family and was one of eight children. He excelled academically and made it to the country's most prestigious school. He did it through sheer grit and hard work. So determined was he to be educated, that he studied by streetlamp at a time when Singapore was a developing country and didn’t have reliable electricity coverage. Through all his efforts, he won scholarships and became the first person to go to university in my family, which has led to a completely different life for my brothers and me. It’s a story that truly exemplifies the transformative power of education.”

Sharanjit added:

“My father’s story isn’t a far cry from many of the students at Bath Spa University. Over 40 percent of the BSU student population are among the first in their family to go to university, just like my father did. About a quarter of our students are from ethnic minorities, like me and many more are working their way through university, holding down one or more jobs so they can afford to have an education. It shows the sheer grit and determination of the students here at BSU, who are so much like my father, students whom I’m inspired by and so proud to represent and truly embodying the spirit of Bath Spa University - the Sunday Times University of the year for Social Inclusion.”

Bath Spa University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby welcomed Sharanjit to the BSU community during the ceremony with pledges, music and performances from students and staff.

Professor Sue Rigby said:

“Sharanjit will be the honorary head of the youngest and most vibrant university in the west of England. A University is a community of learners, we live by the certainty that we can make and think the world better, one act at a time, taking on the impossible problems of the age. We are so delighted and honoured that Sharanjit has accepted this role, will take us forward and be an important part of our brilliant and thriving community.”

Appointed by Bath Spa University’s Board of Governors, the individual is chosen based on their alignment with the University’s values and purpose. The Chancellor is an unpaid, advisory role and does not have the power to make University decisions.

Sharanjit added:

“I hope very much to help Bath Spa University go global, build crucial links with universities in Asia and elsewhere in the world and continue to strengthen our connections with local and national communities, culture, and enterprise. I don’t doubt I will continue to learn from BSU’s wonderful staff and inspiring student community.”

The Chancellor installation ceremony included poetry from Bath Spa University student, Manganaro, and music performed by Bath Spa University MA Music Performance students, Natalie Mills and James MacDowall-Scott. Natalie is a Zimbabwean-born cellist, pianist and music teacher and James is the Director of Music at Pershore Abbey.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a menu designed especially for the event by Bath Spa University’s in-house catering team. This included a canape by 2014 TV’s Masterchef winner and Bath-area local, Ping Coombes. The Crispy Brie Wontons, Pineapple Chilli Sauce and Pickled Chillies were an homage to British and Asian culture. Ping said:

“This canape is a perfect amalgamation of textures, ingredients and cultures, merged together to form a perfect bite. The best of British and Asia!”

The celebration floral displays were designed by Bath Spa University’s Grounds Team and all the flowers, topiary and plants were grown at the University. They were originally propagated by BSU students and then carefully tended to by Stan Rawlings from the Bath Spa University grounds team.

Sharanjit will be presenting certificates to some students in the University’s summer graduation ceremonies as well as attending numerous informal and more formal events throughout the academic year.

Bath Spa University is only one of twelve UK Universities which has both a female Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.