Honorary graduates

Honorary degrees awarded in 2025

Councillor Abi Brown OBE

Between 2015 and 2023 Abi served as deputy leader and then leader, leading numerous projects that have transformed Stoke-on-Trent.

Commander Nathan Gray

Commander Nathan Gray was the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s Top Gun, flying more than 140 combat missions.

Nathan Heaney

Nathan Heaney is a professional boxer and a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health

Muluka-Anne Miti

United Nations Independent Expert, Muluka-Anne Miti, is a leader on rights for people with the genetic condition albinism.

Alex Murray OBE

Alex Murray OBE’s efforts in instituting evidence-based practices in the UK have been exemplary.

Mohammed Ramzan

Mohammed is a dynamic and strategic leader in the further education sector, with over 14 years of senior leadership experience

Honorary degrees awarded in 2024

Katie Berger

Katie Berger is the first Chief Healthcare Scientist at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

Matthew Bowcock CBE

Tech company founder and alum Matthew Bowcock CBE has dedicated decades of his life to supporting the philanthropy sector.

Aida Cable

Aida Cable has been CEO of Thrive at Five since 2021, before the charity sector Aida had a career as a commercial lawyer

Craig Duncan

Craig Duncan is a game maker and accomplished leader with a games industry career spanning more than two decades and counting.

Marie-Claire Isaaman

CEO of not-for-profit organisation Women in Games, Marie-Claire Isaaman is on a mission to make the games industry inclusive.

Dr Najam Kidwai

Alum Dr Najam Kidwai is the founder and chairman of Crypto 1, the world’s first Crypto special purpose acquisition company.

Gary Mellor

Alum Gary Mellor is the Managing Partner and owner at Beswicks Legal and the founder/director of Beswicks Sports.

Angela Morris

Angela Morris is best known as the founder and CEO of the award-winning eco packaging company Woolcool, and one of our alumna.

Colonel Tim Sandiford OBE

The last commanding officer of The Staffordshire Regiment, Colonel Tim Sandiford OBE has an incredible 30-year military career.

Jazmin Sawyers

Olympic athlete, British record holder, TV presenter, singer songwriter and law graduate – Jazmin Sawyers has numerous talents.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2023

Ian Acheson

Prison officer, journalist, Government adviser, director of an international charity – Ian Acheson’s career is very varied.

Zulkifl Ahmed MBE

Staffordshire University law alumni Zulkifl Ahmed MBE created culture change at both a local and national level to improve lives..

Mike Lloyd OBE

Name any successful singer or band from the past 60 years and the chances are that Mike Lloyd OBE will know or worked with them.

Jon Moulton

One of the UK’s high-profile venture capitalists and founder of a medical research charity, Jon Moulton had a humble upbringing.

Noreen Oliver MBE

Noreen Oliver MBE has dedicated decades of her life to rehabilitating literally thousands of people with addictions.

John Robb

Punk musician and music writer John Robb has many claims to fame, from coining the phrase Britpop to interviewing Nirvana.

Amit Shah

From The Windsors to Happy Valley, alumni Amit Shah‘s many and varied acting roles have made him a familiar face to TV viewers.

Rachel Shenton

An Academy Award-winning actress who campaigns on behalf of the deaf community, Rachel Shenton has never lost sight of her roots.

Jamie Smith

From trading stocks and shares to founding a tech company, alumni James Smith has found success across multiple arenas.

John Tearle

John Tearle always wanted to pursue a career in creative technologies and as the founder for Flix Interactive, he has achieved it.

Margaret Yates

The Chief Executive Officer of All Saints Catholic Collegiate Multi-Academy, Margaret Yates is dedicated to moulding young minds.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2022

Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL

Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL was Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University from 2016 to 2021.

Anil Kanti "Neil" Basu QPM

Anil Kanti "Neil" Basu QPM is an Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.

Lord Justice Sir David Bean

Sir David Bean is Lord Justice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.

Gareth Jones

Gareth Jones was Principal at Ormiston Meridian Academy and chair of the Stoke-on-Trent English Excellence Hub.

Barry Knight

Barry Knight is a social scientist, statistician, former Director of the Webb Memorial Trust and now Director of The Webb Legacy.

Ian Marsden

Ian Marsden is a medal-winning paralympic athlete who has represented Great Britain at the Rio and Tokyo Games.

Danny Smith

Danny Smith is a Solicitor-Advocate, equity partner of PCB Solicitors, and a member of multiple Staffordshire University boards.

Mark Stanyer

Mark Stanyer is Regional Executive Principal for Ormiston Academies Trust and board member of the Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area.

Steph Talbot

Steph Talbot is CEO and co-founder of Alice Charity, which supports vulnerable families in Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding area.

Sir David Thompson QPM DL

Sir David Thompson QPM DL is Chief Constable of West Midlands Police and former Vice Chair of the National Police Chief’s Council.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2021

Nihad Alihodzic

Nihad Alihodzic is Head of the Declaration Assessment Team for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Robert Barrow MBE DL

Robert Barrow MBE DL was the CEO and Chairman of SurfControl, a pioneering software development company he founded.

Darren Birt

Darren Birt is a director of FHL Cloud Solutions, an award-winning provider of NetSuite, and a partner at RSM UK.

Paul Farmer OBE

Paul Farmer OBE has been the Managing Director of Wade Ceramics for over 20 years.

David Gage MBE DL

David Gage MBE DL was a member of the Staffordshire University Board of Governors for 10 years, including Chair for 4 years.

Jeremy Lefroy

Jeremy Lefroy was MP for Stafford from 2010 to 2019, when he championed vital local services and job creation.

Professor Mark Radford

Professor Mark Radford CBE PhD RN is the Chief Nurse for Health Education England and Deputy Chief Nursing Officer.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2020

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no honorary degrees were awarded in 2020.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2019

Keith Brymer Jones

Director and Head of Design at MAKE International, an expert ceramicist with over three decades of experience.

Daniel Flynn

Daniel Flynn is the Chief Executive of YMCA North Staffordshire.

Kieron Gillen

Kieron Gillen is an award-winning comic book writer and former computer games journalist.

Julie Harrington

Julie Harrington is the Chief Executive of British Cycling and former Group Operations Director at the Football Association.

Professor Dame Sue Hill DBE

Professor Dame Sue Hill DBE FMedSci FRSB FRCP (Hon) FRCPath (Hon) is the Chief Scientific Officer for England.

Alun Rogers

Alun Rogers is Co-Founder and Director of risual, a Microsoft technology business based in Stafford.

Olwyn Silvester

Olwyn Silvester is an Emmy and BAFTA award winning producer and MD of Bedlam, an independent production company.

Angela Smith

Angela Smith is a former British and world squash champion, founder of WISPA, and chair of Stoke City FC's Supporters Council.

Martin Tideswell

Martin Tideswell is Editor-in-Chief of The Sentinel, StokeonTrentLive, the Staffordshire Newsletter and Post & Times series.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2018

Sinéad Butters MBE

Sinéad Butters MBE is the Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing, which incorporates PM Training and Realise charity.

Kate Davies OBE

Kate Davies OBE is NHS England’s National Director of Health and Justice, Armed Forces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

Kevin Godley

Kevin Godley is a musician and drummer for rock band 10cc, and a music video director who has worked with a multitude of bands.

Professor Siân Griffiths OBE

Professor Siân Griffiths OBE is Chair of Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health and Development.

Gareth Higgins MBE

Gareth Higgins MBE is the Group Managing Director of KMF; Precision sheet metal fabrication and engineering solutions.

Dr Tristram Hunt

Dr Tristram Hunt is the Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum; Former MP and former Shadow Secretary of State for Education.

Deborah McAndrew

Deborah McAndrew is co-founder and Creative Director at Stoke-on-Trent based Claybody Theatre Company and former guest lecturer.

Dr Alastair Williamson

Dr Alastair Williamson is Associate Clinical Lead at WMPSC and Consultant Anaesthetist at Good Hope Hospital.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2017

Dame Laura Kenny DBE

Dame Laura Kenny DBE is the most successful British female Olympian ever, winning five gold medals at three Olympic Games.

Nigel Meadows

Nigel Meadows is Senior Coroner for Manchester and former Coroner for Plymouth and South West Devon.

Carol and Kevin Shanahan

Carol and Kevin Shanahan founded Synectics Solutions together over 25 years ago and now with an annual turnover in excess of £18m.

Dr Ruth Thompson

Dr Ruth Thompson had a vibrant career: 30-years civil service, Director-General for HE, Governor of Staffordshire University.

Ruby Wax OBE

Ruby Wax OBE is a comedian, writer, and mental health campaigner.

Sarah Willingham

Sarah Willingham is an entrepreneur, investor and finance expert from Stoke-on-Trent, and a Dragon on BBC2 TV show Dragons’ Den.

Major Levison Wood

Levison Wood is an author, explorer, photographer, former British army officer and journalist.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2016

Kirsty Bertarelli

Kirsty Bertarelli is a songwriter, singer, model and former Miss UK, wife of businessman Ernesto Bertarelli, and mother to three.

Stephen Burgin

Steve Burgin was Vice President for GE Power in Europe and now a Pro Chancellor of Staffordshire University.

John Caudwell

John Caudwell is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and lead businessman; Co-founder of Phones4U and Founder of Caudwell Chlidren.

Mike Gamble

Mike Gamble is European Territory Manager for leading games and technology creator Epic Games.

Charlotte Higgins

Charlotte Higgins is chief culture writer for The Guardian and a member of the editorial board.

Fred Hughes

Fred Hughes is a Stoke-on-Trent writer and historian, a former politician, a retired police officer and ex-soldier.

Ros Kerslake OBE

Ros Kerslake OBE was Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, and now Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Clive Myrie

Clive Myrie is a television news journalist, BBC World Affairs Correspondent and Presenter on BBC News.

Theo Paphitis

Theo Paphitis runs a business empire spanning retail, property, finance and more; Spent nine series on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2015

Dr Russell Bromley

Dr Russell Bromley's vibrant career path has ranged from fMOD, NPL, ICL, Gylling (Sweden) and Cambridge Electronic Industries plc.

Rev Steve Chalke MBE

Rev Steve Chalke MBE is an author, TV and radio presenter, businessman, social entrepreneur and ordained Baptist Minister.

Simon Clarke DL

Simon Clarke's career took him from agriculture, to a major property business and an appointment as High Sheriff of Staffordshire.

Liz Earle MBE

Liz Earle is a bestselling author, broadcaster, ethical entrepreneur, and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Liz Earle Wellbeing.

Theresa Heskins

Theresa Heskins is the Artistic Director of Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre and a writer for BBC Radio.

Mick Hocking

Mick has been Vice President of Sony CE's UK studios and Studio Director of London Studio, BigBIG Studio and Evolution Studios.

Owen Jones

Owen Jones is known for his work as a political commentator, broadcaster, author, campaigner and columnist.

Ian Mackinnon

Ian Mackinnon is a Creative Director / Executive Producer and co-founder of Mackinnon & Saunders Ltd; Creations seen worldwide.

Mackinnon and Saunders

Mackinnon & Saunders is one of the world’s leading companies in character development and stop-motion puppet-making

Chris Sands

Chris is a branding expert and founder of the Totally Locally movement, and The Good Company.

Peter Saunders

Peter Saunders is a Creative Director / Executive Producer and co-founder of Mackinnon & Saunders Ltd; Creations seen worldwide.

Patricia Wain

Patricia Wain is now Deputy Director of Nursing for South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Peter Whelan

Peter Whelan was a playwright whose work has been performed by The Royal Shakespeare Company, the New Vic Theatre, and more.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2014

Kate Allen

As Director of Amnesty International UK since 2000, Kate has been the prominent champion of worldwide campaigns.

Dawn Childs (nee Elson) MA MDA BEng CEng FIMechE FRAeS

Dawn, after 23 years career in the RAF, she became UK Change Director of National Grid.

Ian Dudson CBE

Having joined Dudson in 1973, becoming Chief Executive in 1988, Ian now holds the position of Non-Executive Chairman.

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE CBE FREng

Dame Judith Hackitt was Chair of the Health and Safety Executive, appointed in 2007, and the first woman to hold the post.

Keith Hollins

Keith Hollins is the Executive Principal of four high schools in North Staffordshire and a National Leader of Education.

Kevin Oakes

Kevin is a champion of UK ceramics and manufacturing having spent his entire career in the pottery industry.

Wing Commander Steve Parkes FCIPD, RAF

Steve founded a consulting company after a highly successful career completing a number of diverse appointments within the RAF.

Matthew Rice

Matthew Rice is a designer, painter, architectural writer, and co-founder of furniture design company David Linley Furniture

Honorary degrees awarded in 2013

Miriam Allen

Miriam Allen is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ireland’s leading film festival, The Galway Film Fleadh.

Peter Dartford

Peter started in the Fire and Rescue Service in 1982 where he began his 31 year career dedicated to making our communities safer.

Hilary Hughes

Founder member of arts company B-Arts Hilary has devoted her life to empowering people through the arts.

Osman Kassim

Osman Kassim is an entrepreneur and education visionary in the development of Staffordshire University delivering HE in Sri Lanka.

District Judge Peter Rank

Peter Rank has dedicated his life to the study and administration of Law and Justice, as an academic lawyer and barrister-at-law.

Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE

Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE is a retired British rower, a triple Olympic Gold Medallist and quadruple World Champion.

Nick Varney

As Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments Group, Nick Varney has a global portfolio of the best known theme parks.

Anna Watkins MBE PhD

Born and raised in Leek, Queen of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Anna Watkins took her first rowing strokes towards Olympic Gold.

Peter Wright

Current Chairman and CEO of Wrights Food Group, Peter Wright is developing the brand to be a major force in the food industry.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2012

Vijay Aggarwal

Vijay Aggarwal is an entrepreneur and education visionary in the development of Staffordshire University delivering HE in India.

Denise Coates CBE

Denise Coates CBE is the founder and joint Chief Executive of the company Bet365; an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Hugh Edwards

From a career in law, author Hugh secured experience in business matters which became invaluable in his dealings with Moorcroft.

Lady Ann Fender DL (posthumous)

Lady Ann was a member of the Council of Lichfield Cathedral and Deputy Chair of Staffordshire University's Board of Governors.

Alan M Frankland

Alan Frankland has championed the development of counselling, psychotherapy and counselling psychology for nearly 40 years.

Dawn Gibbins MBE

Dawn Gibbins MBE is a global businesswoman for services to manufacturing; and a keen philanthropist and visionary speaker.

Dr Liz Jackson MBE

Liz Jackson MBE an independent businesswoman, author and muse in the Modern Muse Project.

Philip Salt

In 1989, Philip Salt became Chief Executive of Salts Healthcare, becoming 10th generation of the Salt family to take control.

Maggie Saxon

Maggie Saxon is one of the country's most influential arts professionals contributing to the culture of Staffordshire.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2011

Dr Dame Claire Bertschinger

Nurse Dr Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE is credited for inspiring the global fundraising phenomenon, Band Aid and Live Aid.

Dr Ger Graus OBE

Dr Ger Graus OBE; First Global Director of Education at KidZania.

Professor Christine E. King CBE, DL, BA, MA, PhD, Hon. D. Litt, CIMgt, FRSA, FRHistS

Dr Christine King was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University; one of the very few UK female Vice-Chancellors.

The Hon. Lord Herman Ouseley KT

The Honourable Lord Herman Ouseley Kt has a career spanning over 40 years as a champion of equality and diversity.

Rob Pritchard

Rob Pritchard a specialist within the business technology sector, encouraging others and developing technology.

Barry Purves

Barry Purves is an Oscar and BAFtA nominated animator and director who has worked in television, movies and theatre.

Ian Stewart Smith

Her Majesty’s Coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, Ian Stewart Smith deals with just under 4,000 deaths a year.

Philip Stimpson

Philip Stimpson is an entrepreneur, who has pioneered ground-breaking medical inventions and launched international businesses.

David Webster

Previously at Hanley Economic Building Society, David Webster is now the Chief Executive Officer at Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

Tony Wray

Tony Wray was head of one of the few Midlands FtSE 100 companies, Severn Trent Plc.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2010

District Judge Fayyaz Afzal OBE

As a sight impaired District Judge Fayyaz Afzal OBE has overcome many challenges on his path through the field of law.

Emma Bridgewater

Emma Bridgewater Ltd has become synonymous with the world-renowned Stoke-on-Trent pottery industry.

Gill Brown

Gill Brown has been a champion of social inclusion for over 25 years.

Natasha Carlish

BAFTA award winning independent producer Natasha Carlish is a key figure in the West Midlands film industry.

Mike Greenacre

Mike Greenacre is a focused individual with over 45 years of wide and varied business experience, primarily in the Travel sector.

David Kidney

David Kidney has been representing the views of the people of Stafford for the past 13 years as a Member of Parliament.

Nikki King OBE

Nikki King OBE is the first female Managing Director of a commercial vehicle manufacturer in the UK.

Hilary Lister

Hilary Lister was a record-breaking sailor who became the first quadriplegic person to sail solo across the English Channel.

Eamonn McCabe

Award winning photographer Eamonn McCabe has been capturing historic moments in sport, news and music for more than 40 years.

Deborah Meaden

Entrepreneur Deborah Meaden has been running her own businesses and has lead to a starring role on the show, Dragons’ Den.

Gail Narinesingh

Gail Narinesingh established the Institute of Law and Academic Studies (ILAS) and is the senior lecturer and principal.

Dr the Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam GCSK, FRCP

Dr the Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam served multiple terms as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius.

Professor Doctor Alfredo Rocafort Nicolau

Professor Dr Rocafort is an expert in economics and accountancy who has published more than 20 books and manuals.

Sir Kevin Satchwell

Sir Kevin Satchwell, his passion for teaching remains and continues pushing educational boundaries.

Sir Tim Smit KBE

Sir Tim Smit KBE co-founded the Eden Project; horticultural haven housing the largest rainforest in captivity.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2009

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

Dr Maggie works within the world’s third largest space company Astrium, where she heads up the optical instruments group.

Jackie Ashley

Jackie Ashley’s journalism career has spanned television, radio and newspapers.

Dame Joan Bakewell DBE

Broadcaster Dame Joan Bakewell DBE shot to fame in 1965 when she joined pioneering television programme Late Night Line Up.

Gordon Banks OBE

Gordon Banks OBE, professional footballer who played as goal keeper during the 1966 England World Cup victory.

Cordella Bart-Stewart

Champion of social justice Cordella Bart-Stewart started her career in law when black solicitors were almost unheard of in the UK.

Patricia Callaghan

Ardent wildlife campaigner Patricia Callaghan has been a nature enthusiast since before her early days at the BBC.

Bill Garrett

Previous Head of Technology for Television Production at the BBC; Bill Garrett.

Andrew Marr

Andrew Marr has been on the political frontline, reporting on the inner workings of Westminster as a correspondent in the 1980s.

Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis has had a lucrative career in the football sector as a player and manager, including in Stoke City Football Club.

Esther Rantzen CBE

One of British television’s best-known faces, Esther Rantzen CBE, has produced, written and hosted a variety of shows.

Nitin Sawhney

Nitin Sawhney is widely regarded as one of the most influential and versatile creative talents on the music scene.

His Honour Judge Simon Tonking DL

His Honour Judge Simon Tonking DL has been practising law since the mid 1970s and has an exceptional career.

Jonathan Wilkes

Jonathan Wilkes is devoutly proud of his home town and regularly returns to tread the boards during panto season.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2008

Ken Campbell

Actor turned director Ken Campbell performed in numerous television roles including In Sickness and in Health and Fawlty Towers.

Neil Carr OBE

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Neil Carr OBE is proud of the quality care provided in Staffordshire.

Mo Chaudry

Pakistani-born entrepreneur Mo Chaudry has demonstrated that with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Peter Coates

Stoke City Football Club chairman Peter Coates is enjoying his second spell at the club.

Dame Carol Ann Duffy DBE

Scottish born poet Dame Carol Ann Duffy DBE has played a major role in bringing poetry to the masses with her innovative.

Ray Edensor

Ray Edensor is affectionately known throughout the region as ‘the Running Paramedic’.

Alan Johnston

BBC journalist Alan Johnston became one of the country’s most respected reporters covering the armed conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Denise Leigh

Soprano singer Denise Leigh’s dreams became reality when she was only 16.

Dr Mike Short CBE

Dr Mike Short CBE became the first Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Helen Tse MBE

Author, lawyer, restaurateur and violinist, Helen Tse MBE.

Joanna Yarrow

Joanna is one of Britain’s leading experts in green living, and specialises in helping people understand environmental principles.

Honorary degrees awarded in -2007

Pre-2007 Honorary Graduate List

Honorary degrees awarded to incredible individuals for their achievements up to 2007.

Honorary degrees awarded in 2026

Rob Barber KFSM

Lloyd Cooke

The Right Honorable Sir Jeremy Hunt MP

Heather McLachlan

Andrew Pear