University of York appoints new Pro-Chancellor
Posted on 31 July 2008
Appropriately for someone who has played a pivotal role in the development of the group that produces Yorkshire Tea, she will take up her new appointment on 1 August — Yorkshire Day.
Lesley Wild, 55, gained a degree in Law, Anthropology and English from London University and later qualified as a solicitor.
The University is dynamic and forward-thinking, and I look forward to playing a part in what will be an exciting new chapter in its development.
Lesley Wild
She has worked for 29 years in the family business, and was instrumental in introducing many of the specialities on the menu at Bettys Café Tea Rooms. Lesley Wild founded Bettys Cookery School in 2001, and published her first cookery book, A Year of Family Recipes, in 2007.
Before her appointment to the University Council in 2005, Lesley Wild served as a lay member of the Businesses Committee from 2000 and the Business Services Consultative Committee from 2003. She has also been a member of the University Court since 2000.
She said: "It is a great honour to be appointed Pro-Chancellor of the University of York. The University is dynamic and forward-thinking, and I look forward to playing a part in what will be an exciting new chapter in its development.
The University’s other Pro-Chancellors are Sir Christopher O’Donnell and Dr Robert Brech. One of the University’s Pro-Chancellors chairs the University Council. Sir Christopher becomes Chair of Council on 1 August, in succession to Gordon Horsfield.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The University of York has three Pro-Chancellors. After the Chancellor, they are the most senior lay members of the University, and they are automatically ex officio members of both University Council and Court.