Music industry manager Keith Harris returned to his alma mater today to be formally installed as Rector of the University of Dundee, the first black person to hold the role.
Keith first joined the University as a Zoology student in 1970 and went on to serve as President of Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA).
He was welcomed by staff and students – including Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and DUSA President Dimitris Vidakis when he was installed as Rector at a ceremony in the University’s Chaplaincy Centre.
After leaving the University Keith went on to pursue a successful career in the music industry for more than four decades. He worked in the UK and US as a consultant, artist manager and promotions manager, including major companies such as Motown, EMI and Transatlantic Records.
Keith became one of the most high-profile black executives in the business. Among the notable artists he has represented is Stevie Wonder, with whom he has worked since the 1970s.
Keith said,
“My time at the University of Dundee transformed my future life, so I am really excited to be given the opportunity to be an advocate for the current generation of students and hope to be able to make a positive contribution on their behalf.”
The Rector is elected to serve the students’ interests, including at the University Court, the governing body of the institution. Keith was elected last year and succeeds broadcaster Jim Spence, who held the role from 2019.
Before the installation ceremony Keith was given a tour of the University’s main campus and surrounding area by the current DUSA executive team and Matthew Jarron, Curator of the University’s Museum Services.
Dimitris Vidakis, DUSA President said,
“This is a special day for our student community as we have the pleasure and honour of officially welcoming to the University our new Rector, Keith Harris. Keith’s strong ties both with the University and DUSA make him an ideal candidate for the role, and I am really looking forward to working with him in the future.”
