Pro Chancellors

Dallas is on a mission to take science and technology out of the lab and into people’s lives!  A graduate of Nene College, an antecedent institution of the University of Northampton, he is the face of some of TV’s highest profile factual programmes including: Science of Stupid, Bang Goes the Theory, The Gadget Show, Stargazing Live, The Sky at Night, Supersized Earth, Time Scanners, City in the Sky, Egypt’s Lost Cities, The Treasure Hunters, and Britain Beneath Your Feet.

As a passionate STEM ambassador, Dallas is involved with many science outreach initiatives, including TeenTech, inspiring young minds to think creatively about technology. He regularly lends his expertise to the British Council’s FameLab project, helping academics sharpen their communication skills.

His book Ad Astra: An Illustrated Guide to Leaving the Planet explores the amazing history of human spaceflight. He has also contributed to the book Aliens: Is There Anyone Out There? edited by Jim Al Khalili, and his writing has graced the pages of many esteemed publications like the BBC’s Sky At Night and Science Focus magazines, and The Observer/Guardian newspaper.

In 2017 Dallas received the prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award for his work in popularising space science, history and education to a wide audience. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association and was installed as a Pro Chancellor at the University in 2024.

Mark Lawson was born in Hendon and raised in Leeds. He took his undergraduate degree in English at University College London and became a freelance contributor to numerous publications including the Roman Catholic publication, The Universe and The Times. Since 1995, Mark has written for The Guardian but has also written for The Independent and has twice been TV Critic of the Year, as well as winning many other journalism awards.

Specialising in culture and the arts, Mark is best known for presenting the flagship BBC Radio 4 arts programme ‘Front Row’ between 1998 and 2014. He is also a Guardian columnist, and presented ‘Mark Lawson Talks To…’ on BBC Four from 2006 to 2015.

Lawson presented ‘The Late Show’ on BBC2 in the 1990s and presented its offshoot ‘The Late Review’ (later ‘Sunday Review’ and from 2000 ‘Newsnight Review’) until 2005. In 2004, Lawson made a documentary for BBC Four called ‘The Truth About Sixties TV’, criticising what he called ‘golden ageists’ who, he said, have a rose-tinted view of television’s past.

Mark has written several radio plays for the BBC, including ‘St Graham and St Evelyn’ (2003) on the friendship between the Catholic novelists Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh, and ‘The Third Soldier Holds His Thighs’ (2005) on Mary Whitehouse’s unsuccessful litigation against the National Theatre production of Howard Brenton’s play The Romans in Britain.

Mark has also written episodes of the television version of the BBC sitcom ‘Absolute Power’ appearing as himself in an episode and was one of many celebrities impersonated by the Dead Ringers team.

In addition to his work in print journalism and the broadcast media, Mark has written five books, both fiction and non-fiction. His first, ‘Bloody Margaret’ (1991), is a collection of novellas on late 20th-century politics in the UK, including an eponymous satire concerning Margaret Thatcher. This was followed by ‘The Battle for Room Service’ (1993), a travelogue of people, politics and culture encountered by Mark as a journalist.

His 1995 book ‘Idlewild’ is an alternative history novel in which both John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe survived the 1960s. ‘Going Out Live’ (2001) focused on contemporary celebrity culture and the media, and ‘Enough is Enough’ (2005) is a satire set in the government of Harold Wilson during the late 1960s. In his 2016 novel ‘The Allegations’, a lecturer at a fictional English university faces disciplinary action and dismissal for bullying and harassment.

Mark supports Northampton Town Football Club.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, widely celebrated as Lady Phyll, has emerged as a formidable force in LGBTQ+ advocacy, extending her influence far beyond the UK to make a significant global impact. Her commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion has not only positioned her as a source of inspiration but also as a beacon of hope for many. Through her instrumental role in co-founding UK Black Pride, Lady Phyll has played a pivotal role in celebrating the intersectionality of Black and LGBTQ+ identities, thereby illuminating the unique challenges and experiences this community faces.

Lady Phyll’s narrative is deeply rooted in her upbringing in London, enriched by the diverse cultural heritage of her Ghanaian parents. The adversity she encountered, marked by racism, sexism and homophobia, ignited a fervent zeal for activism. This drive propelled her into relentless advocacy for marginalized communities, through various roles within the public sector and the expansive field of LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her career is a testament to her lifelong dedication to dismantling inequality.

In 2005, the inception of UK Black Pride marked a transformative moment in acknowledging and celebrating Black LGBTQ+ identities. Recognising a significant underrepresentation of Black LGBTQ+ individuals within mainstream Pride events, Lady Phyll, alongside a group of committed activists, initiated an event that was both a celebration and a powerful declaration of inclusivity and solidarity.  What began as a modest gathering in Southend-on-Sea has blossomed into Europe’s largest celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin American descent, attracting thousands of attendees from across the globe. It steadfastly opposes racism, homophobia and all forms of discrimination, actively advocating for the rights and dignity of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Employing an intersectional approach, Lady Phyll’s activism acknowledges the complexities of identity and the compounded impact of discrimination, driving efforts towards fostering a more inclusive and unified LGBTQ+ community.

Her tenure as the executive director of the Kaleidoscope Trust saw her championing LGBTQ+ human rights globally. Currently, as the Chief Executive Officer of UK Black Pride, she continues to lead with distinction, advocating against homophobia and transphobia and promoting the decriminalisation of homosexuality in countries where it remains illegal.

Expanding her activism beyond UK Black Pride, Lady Phyll has made significant strides in areas such as workplace equality, mental health and the broader civil rights movement. Her efforts to combat discrimination have led to collaborations with trade unions, educational institutions and other advocacy groups, thereby amplifying the impact of her work. As a leading voice in the media, she challenges stereotypes, confronts injustices, and advocates for comprehensive policy reforms.

Despite numerous accolades recognising her contributions to social justice and equality, Lady Phyll remains grounded, continually focusing on the ongoing struggle for equality. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are marginalised or silenced, underlining the persistent nature of this fight. Lady Phyll was installed as a Pro Chancellor in 2024.

Born on the island of Jamaica, Morcea has always been proud of her heritage. She is the eldest of four children and often reflects on the fact that aged nine years, with her father already in Great Britain, she and her mother come to join him. This meant leaving behind her sisters and brother who eventually came to England over eight years later.

Her time in Jamaica and the years spent on her own, certainly impacted on her life. It helped give her feelings of belonging and helping. The role of her parents loomed large, and they became a driving force in her appreciating education and the community.

In the earlier part of her life in England, before Secondary School, Morcea became a member of the Girls Brigade and of the local church. Morcea’s parents were very active within the community, especially with the black members who needed forms to be filled in. Morcea also played netball, not only for her Primary and Secondary schools (reaching County level), but also for a local club. Morcea helped at various Youth Clubs and when her sisters and brothers arrived, they were encouraged to do the same.

Morcea attended an all-girls school where O-Level, A-Level and City and Guilds were taught but the difference was that there was an emphasis on Home Economics, Tailoring, Dressmaking, Fine Art, and Ceramics as well as the usual English, Maths etc. Encouraged by her Headteacher, Morcea was able to gain a place in a Teacher Training College, and there she successfully completed a very ‘hard’ three-year course.

Morcea has taught in various types of Secondary schools – Girls, Boys, Mixed and, for a short period, Special Schools. Teaching is a passion that has driven Morcea throughout her adult life. Morcea believes that working with young people should be treated as a privilege, a joy to be part of opening minds and learning from them.

As an Advisory Teacher (Equalities) Morcea used the Arts as a platform for learning. This has meant that she has promoted the whole issue of gender, race, disability etc through this medium. Morcea became the Co-ordinator for Supplementary Schools in Northamptonshire, and this remains her favourite activity – apart from being a wife, mum, and grandmother! These schools run language and cultural classes including Arabic, Chinese, Polish, African Caribbean, Russian and Guajarati. Morcea’s knowledge and understanding of communities gave her a good standing in this role. She has a passion to celebrate and value the diverse communities of the County of Northamptonshire.

Morcea enjoys opportunities given to her to engage with the community within Northamptonshire and beyond. The Citizenship Ceremonies that she performs as a Deputy Lieutenant means so much to her as, many years ago, she had to apply for that status.

Morcea’s family is her strength. They gave her the permission and challenge to carry on doing the various role/activities she supports. This includes leading Northampton Carnival which takes place each year in the town.

Her three children are all in jobs that serve the community and are quietly doing their own volunteering as appropriate. Morcea has a true love of the county of Northamptonshire – it’s exciting history, parks, countryside, events, towns and much more. Morcea has this “polite curiosity” that has enabled her to work with and take various roles, especially those that deal with young people.

Morcea is a Governor at a local school and a Trustee at a number of organisations including Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, Northamptonshire Black History Association, Healthwatch – West and North Northamptonshire, Street Pastors and Community Law.

Morcea was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University in 2008, was awarded an MBE in 2012, appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2017 and was Vice-Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire from 2022-2024.

David Laing was the University’s first Pro Chancellor from 2015-2024.

David was born into the Laing construction family. He qualified as an architect and subsequently worked with Sir Basil Spence’s London firm before setting up a private practice in Hertfordshire, as well as becoming a partner in GHM Rock Townsend.

With his knowledge of the construction industry, David became Chairman of Country and Metropolitan and has been a director of Eskmuir, a quoted property company which was taken private and is the Laing family’s property vehicle. As well as being a director of a number of private companies, he has served as a trustee, Chairman or President of many charities including the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs and Adrenaline Alley, the biggest urban sports park in the UK.

David served as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 2010-2011 and served as Lord-Lieutenant of the County from 2014-2020.  He was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.

He had experience in the leisure sector, and also agriculture, being hands-on at his farm at Brigstock, Northamptonshire. He has been living in the County for over 20 years and was committed to making it known as the Heart of England.

David died on 3 March 2024.