Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has appointed Hillary Clinton as its chancellor.
Clinton, 72, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump, will serve a five-year term in the largely ceremonial post, which became vacant when Tom Moran, an Irish-American businessman, died.
“Secretary Clinton has made a considerable contribution to Northern Ireland and as an internationally recognized leader will be an incredible advocate for Queen’s and an inspirational role model for the Queen’s community,” said Queen’s University Senate Chairman Stephen Prenter.
In 1995, Bill Clinton became the first American president to visit Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and was accompanied by Hillary Clinton. During 2008, when she lost the Democratic primary race to Barack Obama, she was mocked as a “wee bit silly” for claiming that she had played a key role in bringing an end to the Irish Troubles.
The chancellor acts as an ambassador abroad for the university and also oversees annual graduation ceremonies.
“It is a great privilege to become the chancellor of Queen’s University, a place I have great fondness for and have grown a strong relationship with over the years,” Clinton said in a statement. “The university is making waves internationally for its research and impact, and I am proud to be an ambassador and help grow its reputation for excellence.”
The former secretary of state has fueled rumors that she is considering entering the 2020 race.
It’s my great privilege to become @QUBelfast‘s 11th—and first female—chancellor. It’s a place I have great fondness for and have grown a strong relationship with over the years, and I’m proud to be an ambassador for its excellence. https://t.co/ysrSeA0JOu
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 2, 2020
