Chancellor

YolanDa Brown OBE DL was appointed Chancellor of LASE University Group in 2026. She previously held the same role at the University of Kent from 2024-26, marking a special full circle moment for her as a proud Kent alumna. She graduated from Kent Business School with a first-class undergraduate master’s degree in European Management Science with Spanish, before going on to complete a second master’s degree and undertake a PhD.

YolanDa is an award-winning musician, broadcaster, entrepreneur and highly respected figure within the UK’s creative industries. She is Chair of the BPI, the organisation behind the BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize, as well as Founder of Soul Mama, the acclaimed live music venue and restaurant in London. She is an Ambassador for The King’s Trust and sits on the Arts and Media Honours Committee. She previously served as Chair of Youth Music and as a member of Arts Council England’s National Council. She was recently awarded the Freedom of the City of Newcastle.

The role of Chancellor is ceremonial and includes presiding at graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for LASE University Group.