Countdown
Loughborough University’s Chair of Council and Senior Pro-Chancellor Sir Peter Bonfield today announced the nomination of IAAF President Sebastian Coe as the university’s new Chancellor.
Coe, who won gold and silver medals at both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games and set 12 world records during his athletics career, graduated from Loughborough in 1979 and has remained a close friend and supporter of the university.
“Loughborough University seems to have been part of my life for about as long as I remember,” said Coe. “While my love of athletics started in school, it was at Loughborough that I began to realise my full potential with the support of world-class coaches and sport scientists who worked alongside my coach and father.
“Since that time, Loughborough has gained a pre-eminent position as a global leader in higher education, teaching and research,” he added. “It also prides itself on creating an environment where students are able to develop their talents in and out of the lecture theatre that better prepares them for life beyond university.
“I am very honoured to take on this role and look forward to the next chapter in the history of the university.”
Coe will be Loughborough’s sixth Chancellor, replacing Nigel Rudd, and officially installed at the university’s summer graduation ceremonies in July.
The chancellor is the chief ambassador of the university, presides over ceremonial functions and confers degrees on graduates of the university.
“We are delighted to announce Lord Coe as our sixth chancellor,” said Loughborough University Vice-Chancellor Robert Allison. “As one of the world’s most high profile sportsmen and a long standing friend of Loughborough University, he is perfect for the role.”
Coe, who was appointed the University’s Pro-Chancellor in 2012, graduated from Loughborough with a BSc in economics and social history.
He is one of many British athletics stars to have studied at Loughborough University, along with the likes of Dave Moorcroft, Paula Radcliffe, Robbie Grabarz, Lisa Dobriskey, Martyn Rooney and Goldie Sayers.
As well as being the top sporting university in the UK, Loughborough is also the main training hub of British Athletics. It was also used by the British Olympic Association as the training base and official preparation camp for the British team in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
