In an unprecedented move since its charter 120 years ago, the University of Liverpool broke with tradition and appointed the Honorable Wendy Beetlestone L’93 as Chancellor. Since the University’s founding, there have been ten other Chancellors: aristocrats, politicians, academics, captains of industry, and (most recently) a famed writer. Judge Beetlestone is the University’s first woman and first person of color to take the title. Judge Beetlestone, an alumna, who earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Liverpool, was installed in July 2023, accepting the role with pleasure and gratitude.

Unlike American universities, the chancellorships at British schools are largely ceremonial. As Chancellor, Judge Beetlestone, who has been a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2015, presides over the University’s two annual graduation ceremonies.

“At each graduation ceremony over which I preside, I give (what I hope is) an inspirational speech, and as the students walk across the stage, doff my cap to each one of them.” Between ceremonies this summer, she gained an in-depth understanding of the University by talking with members of the academic faculty, as well as administrative and student leaders. “I’m spending time with the best and the brightest at an institution I love, which is unbelievably gratifying,” she said.

The appointment was apropos as Judge Beetlestone has spent much of her legal career in the areas of education in litigation, leadership, and policy roles. “I’ve been totally steeped in education on all levels — secondary, tertiary, and state,” she said.

Following her graduation from the Law School at Penn, Judge Beetlestone clerked for the Honorable Robert Gawthrop III of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She joined Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, where she became partner, then served as General Counsel for the School District of Philadelphia. Much of her time, she said, was devoted to cases involving the No Child Left Behind Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and issues surrounding charter schools.

From the School District, she was elected a shareholder at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller where she served as Chair of the firm’s education group. From 2008 to 2014, Judge Beetlestone was named a Best Lawyer in America for her work in education law.

While at Hangley, Judge Beetlestone, was selected to be a Trustee of Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University), where, while she was not involved in the institution’s day-to-day management, her responsibilities included engaging in long-range planning for the institution (everything from the physical plant to pedagogical innovation), mustering resources and overseeing its finances, and (more informally) serving as part of the President’s cabinet.

The governor of Pennsylvania also appointed her to serve on the state’s Board of Education where she and her colleagues were charged, inter alia, with everything from reviewing and adopting policies, regulations, and standards for educational programs in the Commonwealth; approving or disapproving applications for the creation or change in boundaries of existing school districts; managing and having custody of certain state and federal educational funds; and adopting master plans for basic and higher education.

Judge Beetlestone also co-teaches a course at Penn Carey Law on remedies and strategic litigation.

At Liverpool, she hopes to make a connection with first-generation students. “I’m aiming to mentor a small cohort every year,” she said. “Just having someone steadfastly in their corner, I think, will be of some significance.”