Colm Tóibín announced as new University Chancellor

Award-winning Irish author, journalist and playwright, Colm Tóibín, has been announced as the next Chancellor of the University of Liverpool.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Colm is currently a professor at Columbia University in New York, he has taught at many universities, and was a headline speaker at the University of Liverpool’s inaugural Liverpool Literary Festival last October.

Colm has been a strong advocate for free expression and LGBT+ rights and was hailed as a “champion of minorities” as he collected the 2011 Irish PEN Award.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Beer, said:

“Colm is a distinguished writer and public speaker who can connect with a wide global audience. His professional achievements, personal qualities and international outlook embody the spirit and values of our University. He will not only be an excellent role model for our students, but will help us achieve our vision to be a connected, global University at the forefront of knowledge leadership.”

Colm said: “I feel honoured to have been appointed Chancellor of the University of Liverpool. The University has a great deal to be proud of and is a part of an education system that has inspired people all over the world, not least in my own country, Ireland.

“As a writer and as a citizen, I have greatly benefited from my own time in higher education, and believe that those of us who have experienced the privilege of education should do our best to make sure that others have the same chance. I will do what I can as Chancellor to enhance the experience of the students and connect the University’s inspiring work with the city, with society, and with the world outside.”

Colm’s appointment was formally approved by the University’s Council and follows a nomination process earlier last year.