Music industry legend Keith Harris is set to become the first black Rector of Dundee University.
The 70-year-old, who once represented acts such as Stevie Wonder, will be installed at an official ceremony later this week.
Keith first joined the University as a Zoology student in 1970 and went on to serve as President of Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA).
He will be welcomed by staff and students – including Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and DUSA President Dimitris Vidakis – when he is installed as Rector at a ceremony in the University’s Chaplaincy Centre from 3pm on Thursday.
After leaving the University Keith went on to pursue a successful career in the music industry for more than four decades.
He worked in the UK and US as a consultant, artist manager and promotions manager, including for such major companies as Motown, EMI and Transatlantic Records.
Keith became one of the most high-profile black executives in the business.
Among the notable artists he has represented is Stevie Wonder, with whom he has worked since the 1970s.
Keith said: “My time at the University of Dundee transformed my future life, so I am really excited to be given the opportunity to be an advocate for the current generation of students, and hope to be able to make a positive contribution on their behalf.”
The Rector is elected to serve the students' interests, including at the University Court, the governing body of the institution.
Keith was elected last year and succeeds broadcaster Jim Spence, who held the role from 2019.
Dimitris Vidakis, DUSA President said: “This is a special day for our student community as we have the pleasure and honour of officially welcoming to the University our new Rector, Keith Harris.
“Keith’s strong ties both with the University and DUSA make him an ideal candidate for the role, and I am really looking forward to working with him in the future.”
- Tickets are available here and the ceremony will be live streamed here.
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