Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been appointed the new Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast.
She began her role on New Year's Day and will remain in the post for five years.
Mrs Clinton, who received an honorary doctorate from Queen's in October 2018, is the university's 11th and first female chancellor.
The role is largely ceremonial, with the chancellor presiding at graduations and acting as an ambassador for the university abroad.
She said: "It is a great privilege to become the Chancellor of Queen's University, a place I have great fondness for and have grown a strong relationship with over the years.
"The university is making waves internationally for its research and impact and I am proud to be an ambassador and help grow its reputation for excellence."
Mrs Clinton has also served as a US Senator and was US first lady when her husband Bill was US president from 1993-2001.
Stephen Prenter, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate, the university's governing body, said: "I am delighted that Queen's has chosen Hillary Clinton to be its new Chancellor.
"Secretary Clinton has made a considerable contribution to Northern Ireland and as an internationally recognised leader will be an incredible advocate for Queen's and an inspirational role model for the Queen's community."
As Chancellor @HillaryClinton will have three main roles:
— Queen's University Belfast 🎓 (@QUBelfast) January 2, 2020
1.Presiding at degree congregations.
2.Ambassador.
3.Advisor, available to the @QUBVChancellor and senior management as a sounding board and to provide counsel and guidance.
More: https://t.co/6NlonwYmXK #LoveQUB pic.twitter.com/iJKuJl4bic
