Chosen college lecturer retained (5)

I believe the answer is:

elect

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'chosen' is the definition.
('elect' as an adjective can mean chosen)

'college lecturer retained' is the wordplay.
'ELECT' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elect that I've seen before include "Choose; chosen" , "Appoint through ballot" , "Chosen, singled out" , "Choose by vote" , "Preferred" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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