Thatcher Is Named Chancellor of William and Mary in Virginia
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Saturday became the first woman to be named chancellor of the College of William and Mary, and the first British subject to hold the post in more than 200 years.
Thatcher was appointed to the ceremonial position by the college’s board of visitors. Her seven-year term begins July 1. She will replace retired Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.
Thatcher will be formally installed in a ceremony to be scheduled during the coming academic year.
“I am both honored and delighted” at the appointment, Thatcher said in a prepared statement. “I very much look forward to being with you and seeing the work of this historic university.”
She will be the 21st chancellor in the university’s 300-year history. George Washington was the college’s first chancellor, holding the post from 1788 until his death in 1799.
William and Mary President Timothy J. Sullivan said, “It is truly fitting to have as the college’s next chancellor an international leader like Lady Thatcher who has had a dramatic impact on the course of world events.”
The post of chancellor, initially held by the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Bishop of London, was established when the college was chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
