Welcoming Sandie Okoro as our new Chancellor

We’ve officially installed Sandie Okoro OBE as our new Chancellor in a special ceremony attended by more than 300 guests. The occasion has also been marked by launching the Chancellor's Scholarships for high-achieving international postgraduate taught (PGT) students for 2025. 

Ahead of the ceremony, Sandie spent the day on campus meeting academics and students. She also received a surprise gift during the event - an incredible bespoke brooch adorned with a scale and sword for law and justice (to signify Sandie’s legal background), the national birds of Trinidad and Nigeria to represent her heritage, and a chain in the style of TV show Peaky Blinders, which she loves. 

Sandie is one of the UK’s most respected lawyers and a high-profile equality rights champion with a remarkable contribution to diversity, equality and female rights. A proud alumna of this University, she’s globally recognised as an inspirational and highly respected trailblazer in the corporate legal sector. 

Chancellor Sandie Okoro OBE commented: “I am both excited and honoured to become the first female Chancellor in the long history of the University of Birmingham - one of Britain’s great universities. 

“It is a very special feeling for me to come home to the University as alumna and Chancellor, as we prepare for the excitement of celebrating our 125th anniversary next year. I look forward to marking this momentous year with the staff and students who make the University of Birmingham such a wonderful place.” 

Sandie brings a remarkable record of accolades recognising her contribution to diversity, equality and female rights, and is currently Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered. She was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Diversity in International Finance, has received a lifetime achievement award from the UK Black Solicitors Network and was named one of the Power 100 Women by City A.M. and 100 Women to Watch by Female FTSE Board.  

We’re so proud to have Sandie as our new Chancellor and hope you’ll join us in giving her a warm welcome (back) to Brum!