The Archbishop of York has been named York St John University College's chancellor when it becomes a university later this year. The archbishop will be officially installed in a ceremony in March, at York Minster, before an audience of staff and students.

As chancellor, Dr John Sentamu will also serve as a source of counsel to the institution.

Professor Dianne Willcocks, the current principal and vice-chancellor designate of York St John, said she was thrilled the archbishop agreed to step into the chancellor's role.

She said: "Dr Sentamu has been a pillar of support to York St John since his appointment as archbishop in 2005. He was to us an obvious choice for the position of chancellor, as someone who is incredibly well respected, nationally and internationally, for the great work that he does within the Church of England and in the charitable projects in which he participates. His forward-thinking outlook is recognised and supported wholeheartedly by the board of governors of York St John and myself, and is representative of the attitude we have at our institution. We believe the archbishop will be an excellent chancellor for our institution."

The archbishop graduated in law from Makerere University, Kampala, and became an advocate of the High Court of Uganda.

He practised law as a barrister and a magistrate before he came to the UK in 1974 and went on to read theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he gained a Masters degree and a doctorate, before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge.

Following his ordination, Dr Sentamu served many communities across England as a chaplain and vicar, before being appointed Bishop of Stepney in 1996, Bishop of Birmingham in 2002 and Archbishop of York in 2005.

He is a Primate of England and Metropolitan, a member of the House of Lords and a Privy Councillor.

Dr Sentamu said: "This is an exciting time for York St John and I am delighted to be asked to be chancellor when the institution becomes a university in October.

"York St John has been offering excellence in education for over
150 years, and its gaining of university status is due recognition of its achievements.

"The university will be a bright symbol of the wider church's continuing contribution to educational services in a society of all faiths and none."