The award recognises the 36-year-old not only for his sporting accomplishments, but also for being a passionate mental health advocate and his role as a positive influence for young people.
The former British Middleweight Boxing Champion received the honour during graduation ceremonies held at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus – where he delivered an inspiring address to the graduating class of 2025.
A proud alumnus of University of Staffordshire, Nathan has a degree in Sports Science and a Foundation Law qualification.
He told the graduating cohort: “I know exactly what you have been through. I know how hard it can be, but you’ve all done it. Regardless of the grades achieved, you are all University of Staffordshire graduates and you should be proud of yourselves.
“It feels very surreal to have been in your shoes and to now be standing here as an honorary doctor. I sincerely thank everyone who has played a part in allowing me to have this great honour.”
Heaney left school with one GCSE before going to college to re-sit his exams and credits a former teacher, Mrs Dempsey, for transforming his academic journey, calling her “the most incredible teacher that I have ever met.”
After six months of being in Mrs Dempsey’s class at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, Nathan went from two consecutive E grades in English, to getting a B.
He said: “If the butterfly effect is real, she may have been one of the most important people that I have ever met. My biggest regret since leaving the classroom is that I never thanked her.”
After tracking his former teacher down through Facebook, Nathan invited her to the ceremony, saying: “Fortunately she said yes so I could finally thank her after all these years!”
Nathan initially pursued a career in teaching at Stafford College, where his passion for sport and education inspired his students who, in turn, reignited his dream to return to professional boxing.
Since making his boxing comeback seven years ago, Nathan has remained unbeaten in 17 fights and made history by becoming British Middleweight Champion.
Heaney’s advice to those graduating was: “Find a goal, find what your passions are and give everything to make sure that you can make a career out of it.”
He added: “If you have the ability, the only things left that are needed are ambition and application. Effort is the only answer – trust me.”