BBC Asian Network founder appointed to university board

Champion of the creative industries and founder of the BBC Asian Network Anita Bhalla OBE has been named as the next chair of Birmingham City University 's board of governors.

Anita (pictured) will take up her position as deputy chair on the board from October this year, before taking over as chair when current incumbent Mark Hopton 's term of office finishes in May 2023.

A passionate Brummie, Anita will bring her deep understanding of the region to the roles of deputy chair and chair, as the university continues working towards the goals laid out in its Strategy 2025.

Anita 's 26-year career with the BBC has seen her take on a varied range of roles - from a correspondent to being head of political and community affairs to head of public space broadcasting.

Alumna Anita also studied for her Master 's a BCU.

Professor Philip Plowden, vice-chancellor, Birmingham City University, said: “Anita is the ideal person to take us forward and I am so pleased that she will be our next Chair of Governors.

“Her experience across the fields of journalism, creative arts and of course, social mobility, is an ideal match for us as a University, and I very much look forward to working with her.

“I have no doubt she will provide a fresh degree of constructive challenge to ensure everyone at BCU is doing all we can to provide the very best experience for our students and the communities we serve. ”

Ms Bhalla said: “I am thrilled and excited to be joining Birmingham City University at a time when there are so many opportunities ahead of us as well as the inevitable challenges.

“Our University and students are vital to the economic and social growth of the region and I hope to play my part in helping this to become a reality.

“I am looking forward to working with a dedicated team to ensure we do the best for our students and the region. ”