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Queen¡¯s University Belfast has appointed Hillary Clinton, the former US secretary of state, as its chancellor.

Ms Clinton, a former US first lady, senator and presidential candidate, started a five-year term on 1 January. She received an honorary doctorate from Queen¡¯s in October 2018 and becomes the institution¡¯s first female chancellor.

Stephen Prenter, pro-chancellor at Queen¡¯s, said that he was ¡°delighted¡± by the decision. ¡°Secretary Clinton has made a considerable contribution to Northern Ireland and as an internationally recognised leader will be an incredible advocate for Queen¡¯s and an inspirational role model for the Queen¡¯s community,¡± Mr Prenter said.

Ms Clinton said that it was a ¡°great privilege¡± to take on the role, describing Queen¡¯s as ¡°a place I have great fondness for and have grown a strong relationship with over the years¡±.?

¡°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,¡± Ms Clinton said.

Ms Clinton also has close links with Swansea University, lending her name to the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law and accepting an honorary doctorate from the institution in 2017.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com