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Jesus College Cambridge elects its first ever female black master

Sonita Alleyne - PA
Sonita Alleyne - PA

A Cambridge college has appointed its first ever black president.

Sonita Alleyne, 51, will also be the first female Master in the history of Jesus College, which was founded between 1496 and 1516.

The entrepreneur, a former BBC trustee who has championed diversity, described her election as "an honour".

She will take up the role in October - 40 years after the college began admitting female students.

Born in Barbados and brought up in East London, Ms Alleyne graduated with a BA in philosophy from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, before starting a career in radio.

Celebrating her appointment, she said: "I left Cambridge 30 years ago, but it never left me. I am delighted to be returning.

"It is an honour to be elected to lead Jesus College and I'm looking forward to becoming part of such an energetic and innovative community.

"Having met many Fellows, students and staff in recent weeks, I was struck by the positive and forward-looking ethos shared across the College."

Ms Alleyne founded production company Somethin' Else, which has produced shows for Sky Arts, the BBC and Channel 4, and was its chief executive from 1991 to 2009.

She is currently chairwoman of the British Board of Film Classification and is a fellow of both the Royal Society of the Arts and the Radio Academy.

The businesswoman, a former BBC trustee who was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 2004, will be Jesus College's 42nd Master when she takes over from Professor Ian White later this year.

Philosopher Sir Roger Scruton and playwright Sir David Hare are among the institution's notable alumni.

Professor Mary Laven, who led the college's search committee, expects Ms Alleyne to be an "inspirational Master".

She added: "She brings to the college a wealth of experience and an enduring commitment to helping young people fulfil their potential."

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