Although his Star Trek run has likely come to an end, that doesn't mean Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard) has put his days of wearing silly costumes behind him.

Stewart was yesterday announced as the next Chancellor of Yorkshire's Huddersfield University during end of year graduation ceremonies, ic Huddersfield reported. He will replace Sir Ernest Hall, who is leaving the largely ceremonial role after seven years.

The actor, who left school at fifteen, said he was overjoyed to be offered the position. "Words are inadequate to express my great pleasure, profound sense of gratitude and heel kicking delight at having this honour bestowed on me," he said in a statement read to this year's graduating students.

Yorkshire-born Stewart said he would shortly be returning to the United Kingdom as a full-time resident and planned to make the university a high priority. "I have assured the Vice Chancellor and the Council that in accepting this distinction it is my intention to play as full a part in the life and work of this University as my work as an actor will permit. I promise you, I will not be an absentee Chancellor."

This won't be the first time Stewart has donned academic regalia. In 2001 he was awarded an honorary fellowship by Cardiff University for his work with the institution's School of Journalism, Media and Culture, and his contribution to the arts (story).

The original news can be found at ic Huddersfield, with the full text of Stewart's statement available at the university web site.

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