The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026. She is the 106th Archbishop and the first woman to hold this role.

The Archbishop is also the Chancellor of the University, serving as our ceremonial head and acting as an ambassador for us.

She already shares a strong relationship with the University, having been made an Honorary Fellow in the 2005/06 academic year, in recognition of her distinguished service as the government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University (2013-2026), said: "We are privileged to welcome Bishop Sarah as our next Chancellor. Her exceptional leadership, commitment to public service, and connection to our University will be a source of inspiration for our students, staff, and wider community. Her appointment represents a truly historic moment."