Jacqui Oatley MBE returns to Leeds to support arts and humanities students
Broadcaster and sports commentator Jacqui Oatley MBE returned to the University of Leeds last week.
During her visit, she took part in a series of activities with students and staff in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. An alumna of the Faculty, Jacqui graduated with a degree in German in 1996.
Jacqui is widely recognised as a pioneer in sports broadcasting. She became the first female commentator on BBC Match of the Day and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport. Most recently, she commentated on the Euro 2025 final, the UK’s most-watched television moment of the year.
As part of Media Futures – a series of events and resources to support all University of Leeds students to gain insight and find opportunities in the Media Industries – Jacqui led a mentoring workshop with arts and humanities students from across the Faculty, including those studying journalism, languages and English. The session focused on career development, resilience and navigating creative and media industries, drawing on Jacqui’s experience as a freelance broadcaster and commentator.
Jacqui also spent time meeting staff and touring the Michael Sadler Building, before taking part in a Alumni Voices Talk at Stage@Leeds in the evening. The event, organised by the University’s Advancement team, explored her time at Leeds, her career in broadcasting, and the challenges and opportunities she has encountered working in sport and media.
Broadcaster and University of Leeds alumnus Jacqui Oatley in conversation with Kersti Mitchell, as part of the University's Alumni Voices Talks
Throughout the visit, Jacqui reflected on the value of an arts and humanities education, highlighting how studying languages – and German grammar in particular – had shaped her thinking and supported her career. She also spoke about the importance of study abroad experiences in building confidence and resilience, and how these foundations have proved invaluable in a competitive and often challenging professional environment.
Jacqui Oatley said:
“I loved studying at Leeds. It was just a great university, a great place to be. During my year abroad in Germany, there were various things that happened, different challenges I faced, and I had to work a way out of it myself. That was really the start of me developing my own personality, may own layers of resilience.”
Jacqui’s visit formed part of the Faculty’s wider commitment to connecting students with alumni and professionals, and to demonstrating the broad career pathways supported by arts and humanities degrees.
