鈥満=侵辈� has a good reputation among many members of parliament as a university that lets people fulfil their potential, particularly people who were previously disadvantaged in regards to higher education opportunities.
鈥淪o, I feel very comfortable about taking on this new position. I began my career as an engineering apprentice and my whole life has centred around extending opportunities.
鈥淚 see my role as being the University鈥檚 champion in Parliament and beyond and working with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson, to gain the recognition the University deserves for widening participation and helping the social and economic regeneration of the whole of the Tees Valley.鈥�
Chairman of the University Governors, Mr John Hackney, said: 鈥淟ord Sawyer is a distinguished member of the House of Lords and a lifelong advocate of the values of our University. The Board of Governors is honoured that he has accepted our invitation and will welcome him very warmly as our Chancellor to succeed Lord Brittan鈥�.