Hillary Clinton was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast in October, 2018 and is now its chancellor
By Irish Echo Staff
Hillary Clinton is the new Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast.
The five year term as chancellor, a largely ceremonial role, began on January 1.
Clinton succeeds the late Tom Moran and so is the second successive American chancellor, though the third American in total as Senator George Mitchell is a former holder of the office.
Clinton is the eleventh chancellor in the university’s history, but the first woman to hold the post.
The former Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and First Lady, said it was a "great privilege" to be named chancellor of a university she had "great fondness" for.
"The university is making waves internationally for its research and impact and I am proud to be an ambassador and help grow its reputation for excellence,” Clinton said.
There is already a scholarship in Clinton’s name at Queen’s for post-graduate study in politics, human rights and peace building.
Stephen Prenter, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate, the University’s governing body, said: “I am delighted that Queen’s has chosen Hillary Clinton to be its new Chancellor.
“Secretary Clinton has made a considerable contribution to Northern Ireland and as an internationally recognized leader will be an incredible advocate for Queen’s and an inspirational role model for the Queen's community.”
A further statement from Queen’s added: “Hillary Rodham Clinton is an internationally recognized public servant with almost five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State.
“Secretary Clinton has developed strong links with Queen’s University and Northern Ireland. As Secretary of State, she focused on economic development to underpin the emergence of a strong and competitive Northern Ireland and, during her time as First Lady, made a considerable contribution to the Northern Ireland Peace Process. With her long-standing commitment to peace, stability and economic regeneration, she is a strong advocate for Northern Ireland and an inspirational role model for the Queen’s community.
“The Chancellor fulfills three main roles – a ceremonial one which involves presiding at degree congregations; an ambassadorial role, where the office holder helps to ‘open doors’ for the University as it seeks to fulfill its mission; and finally as an adviser, available to the Vice-Chancellor and senior management as a ‘sounding board’ and to provide counsel and guidance.”
