Baroness Lawrence unveiled as new Chancellor for De Montfort University

The mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, will be officially unveiled as the Chancellor of De Montfort University today.

Baroness Lawrence will be appointed during an investiture ceremony this afternoon.

The University say she was chosen because of her strong desire to champion issues affecting students, education and social change.

Following the death of her son, Stephen, in 1993, she established the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them start careers in architecture, journalism and law.

She has also worked to increase the number of students from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds participating in higher education.

Baroness Lawrence became a Life Peer in 2013 and was named as one of the most powerful women in the UK in 2014.

Last year she was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by DMU and, following the ceremony, gave up her time to speak to students and staff, sharing some of her experiences.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and, as such, acts as its figurehead and ambassador.

Baroness Lawrence will succeed The Lord Alli who stepped down from the role after nine years in July.