Staffordshire University is to bestow it highest honour on successful entrepreneurs who are “giving back” to society.
The honorary degrees will be presented during the University’s Summer Awards Ceremonies which are taking place at the Kings Hall in Stoke to celebrate the achievements of thousands of students.
Games entrepreneur John Tearle co-founded Flix Interactive with the goal of supporting the best graduates into industry. He has worked with Staffordshire University on numerous projects and helped paved the way for games graduates to establish careers of their own.
Another entrepreneur to be recognised with the University ‘s highest honour is Jamie Smith – a graduate of Staffordshire University and “digital disruptor” who is transforming the way organisations use technology and innovation and who supports and mentors businesses and budding entrepreneurs. Both will become Honorary Doctors of Technology.
The University will also be honouring Jon Moulton, one the UK’s most prolific venture capitalists with a reputation for turning around floundering businesses. The award recognises Jon’s support as an angel investor to start-up companies and his charity work through the Jon Moulton Charity Trust which funds non-commercial clinical trials to ease suffering.
Margaret Yates, Chief Executive Officer of All Saints Catholic Collegiate Multi-Academy Trust and a national leader of education, is being recognised for her significant contribution to education in Stoke-on-Trent. Margaret has worked as an advanced skills teacher, headteacher and executive head and believes passionately that everyone in the city deserves to get a good education.
Music promoter and concert organiser Mike Lloyd OBE and punk musician and music writer John Robb will also become Honorary Doctors of Arts for their contributions in the field of music, culture and entertainment.
Ian Acheson is being recognised as a leading Criminal justice expert, former prison governor and senior Advisor for the Counter Extremism Project which has helped influence government policy.
Completing this summer’s line up is actor and Staffordshire graduate Amit Shah. Amit’s varied roles have made him a familiar face to TV viewers and most notably as a murderer in the hit show Happy Valley.
Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: “We very much look forward to welcoming this year’s honorary graduates who we believe will be an inspiration to our graduating Class of 2023.
“As a University we aim to be a Catalyst for Change and we are confident that our new honorary graduates, as well as reflecting the breadth of our academic portfolio, are all catalysts for change in their sectors and industries.
“There is a strong entrepreneurial theme to this year’s line-up which fits with the tone of our award ceremonies. However, our honorary graduates are carefully selected as they fit with the values of our University, and often give freely of their time and expertise.”
Staffordshire University’s Awards Ceremonies take place between Wednesday 19th July and Tuesday 25th July.