A LEADING psychologist and broadcaster has been appointed the first chancellor of Edge Hill University.

Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron made history by confirming the appointment, which follows the institution achieving university status, in May, 2006.

Dr Byron said the history of Edge Hill was one of the reasons she accepted the position. “When I found out the university began life as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women in 1885, I knew immediately that here was an institution rooted in profound and fundamental educational and social innovation and change.

“Looking at its many excellent courses, so many vocational, and all rated so highly by the students taking them, Edge Hill continues its pioneering and inspired educational tradition, first set down 123 years ago.

“It was an honour to be asked to be the first Chancellor of this fantastic university and a complete no-brainer and privilege to accept.”

As well as working for the NHS for almost 20 years, Dr Byron also presents television and radio programmes on child behaviour, science and current affairs, and writes with comedian Jennifer Saunders.

The psychologist has published four books on child behaviour, most recently Your Child Month by Month – a guide to child development and the early years. In addition, Dr Byron writes a weekly column for the Times and for several magazines.

John Cater, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, said: “We are extremely happy to welcome Dr Byron to her new role at the university at what is an exciting time of unprecedented growth at Edge Hill.

Not only is Dr Byron instantly recognisable from her television work, she is also a respected practitioner in the health, education and social care fields, with a long history of clinical practice.

“I know her appointment will inspire our students.”

Dr Byron completed her first degree in psychology at York, her clinical psychology masters training at University College London and her doctorate which looked at the treatment of drug misusers at University College Hospital and the University of Surrey.

She currently works one day a week as a consultant in child and adolescent mental health, and is the patron of charity Prospex, an organisation which works with disadvantaged young people in north London.

lizawilliams