YolanDa Brown OBE DL becomes University of Kent’s new chancellor

25 April 2024 - Press release

 

The University of Kent is delighted to announce that double-MOBO winning musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE DL has been appointed to the role of Chancellor, succeeding Gavin Esler who has retired from the position after almost 10 years in the role.

Having graduated with a first-class undergraduate masters degree in European Management Science with Spanish from the University’s Kent Business School, before going on to achieve her second masters degree and undertake a PhD, YolanDa will be installed as Chancellor during one of the University’s graduation ceremonies in July.

YolanDa’s commitment to music and education has been synonymous throughout her career. As well as releasing critically acclaimed albums and touring with the likes of The Temptations, Jools Holland, Billy Ocean, Dave Stewart and more, YolanDa was Chair of Youth Music for six years and is currently a sitting member of the Arts Council, Chair of the BPI - the representative voice for record labels in the UK (organise The BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize), an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, was recently appointed by Prime Minster Rishi Sunak as a member of the Arts and Media Honours committee, and that’s only a fraction of the positions she holds.

In her new title as Chancellor, YolanDa’s duties will include conferring degrees, chairing the University’s Court and representing the University on special occasions. She takes up the role at a time when the University is preparing to celebrate its 60th Anniversary.

 

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Cox, said: 
“I am delighted that YolanDa Brown is to become the University’s seventh Chancellor. Her passion for, commitment to and experience in education make her perfect for the role, with her tireless and innovative support for young people also making her an outstanding and inspirational role model.”

I have no doubt she will be incredibly popular with our students, staff and alumni, all of whom will make her feel very welcome when she returns to the University in July.”

 

Speaking about the appointment, YolanDa Brown OBE DL said:   
“My time at the University of Kent was character building, life affirming, and a bucket full of emotions. Every single time I am on campus a new memory returns, so you can imagine my joy accepting this role as Chancellor. The University of Kent has always been at the forefront of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community. Its dedication to providing outstanding education, promoting research that makes a real-world difference, and its unwavering support for students from all walks of life resonate deeply with my own values.

I am excited to work alongside the talented staff, and students to build on this foundation as the university strives towards new heights of achievement.”

 

 Zaid Mahmood, Students Union President, Kent Union said:
"I'm delighted YolanDa has been appointed Chancellor and I know students across the University are going to love getting to know her in the years ahead. As a former student she knows what life at Kent is all about and her journey from here to the top of the music business is a total inspiration. She is truly an Icon!

“It's great to have such a generous and passionate champion for education in the role. She is an advocate for equal opportunities especially for students from marginalised backgrounds. She is a changemaker to the core and I can't wait to see all the amazing opportunities students get through her appointment. On behalf of everyone at Kent Students' Union, we welcome YolanDa Brown to her Chancellorship at Kent and we can't wait to work with her for the growth of our University!"

YolanDa’s connection with the University goes beyond her studies, she played for the University netball team, taught Undergraduate business on the Medway campus and since leaving the university, she has played on numerous occasions at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre and even represented the University on celebrity university challenge on BBC One.