Holding out for our heroes – University announces its honours list
Inspirational leaders including company bosses, a chief nurse, former MP and international peacekeeper are among those to be recognised with honorary degrees.
Staffordshire University usually makes the announcement ahead of its Award Ceremonies held in summer and autumn. However, as last year’s ceremonies for graduating students were postponed due to Covid-19, so too was the bestowal of honorary degrees to recognise the achievements of people who share in the University’s values.
The latest line-up includes retired Cheshire digital technology entrepreneur Robert Barrow MBE DL, Darren Birt Director of Crewe-based FHL and Paul Farmer OBE Managing Director of Wade Ceramics who are all recognised for their significant contributions to business development and the economies of Staffordshire and Cheshire.
International Relations graduate Nihad Alihodzic will also become an Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of his commitment to making the world a safer place through his work to eliminate chemical weapons in countries including Iraq, Libya and Syria.
And closer to home Professor Mark Radford, Health Education England Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Nurse for England, is being recognised for his role as inspirational leader. Since his appointment last March, Professor Radford has been leading the HEE response to the coronavirus pandemic, including work to use student nurses and midwives to help the NHS. He is now leading on the workforce and training workstream of the Covid-19 NHS vaccination delivery programme.
Also recognised with the award of Honorary Doctor of the University are former Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy and former Chair of the University’s Board of Governors David Gage MBE DL. They are recognised for their services and unstinting support to the county and to the University.
Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL said: “These inspirational people should have been recognised at our awards ceremonies last year but, sadly, these were put on hold because of the pandemic.”
“We’ve recently heard about those people with connections to Staffordshire University who were recognised in the New Year honours and decided we couldn’t wait any longer to recognise the tremendous work of our new honorary graduates.”
“When normal service resumes, they will get to don their cap and gown, celebrate their achievements and share their wisdom with our graduating students. As a Connected University community, we can’t wait for that happen!”
Nihad Alihodzic, Doctor of the University (DUniv)
Originally from Vlasenica, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nihad Alihodzic left his country, aged 18, when war broke out in 1992.
After serving with the United Nations, he joined the the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). During his time with the OPCW, Nihad has worked on the chemical disarmament of many countries including Iraq and Libya. He was appointed as Head of the Declaration Assessment Team and one of the heads of the OPCW mission in Syria. The mission to eradicate chemical weapons in Syria earned Nihad France’s highest order of merit, the Légion d'honneur.
Alongside his career, Nihad completed a Masters degree in International Relations with Staffordshire University. Nihad signed up in 2015 to study via distance learning and graduated in 2018 – highlighting the relevancy of studying diplomatic processes during a time when he was heavily involved in peace efforts in Syria. At the time, Nihad helped host a visit for a group of fellow students at The Hague.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon Nihad in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the creation of a safer world. The award also acknowledges his tenacity and determination in achieving his Masters award from Staffordshire University, despite spending long periods working away from home in dangerous and difficult conditions.
He said: “The award from Staffordshire University came as a complete surprise and shock. It is an amazing feeling and big honour when you get recognition for your work in this way.”
Robert Barrow MBE DL, Doctor of Technology (DTech)
Robert Barrow MBE DL was the CEO and Chairman of SurfControl, a pioneering software development company he founded during the formation of the internet.
Robert’s career in computing began at North Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1968, when he undertook a four-year degree in computer science. In 1977, he joined ICL as a consultant, programming operating systems until he left to launch his own company. SurfControl initially began as JSB plc and in 1987, switched their name to SurfControl after developing cutting-edge software that major companies such as Microsoft and Apple used to regulate staff access to the fast-growing online world. SurfControl quickly grew to over 600 staff worldwide in the following five years, including an R&D facility of 120 employees in Congleton, Cheshire, employing a number of Staffordshire University graduates. Robert was CEO before becoming Chairman and eventually Non-Executive Chairman at SurfControl.
He retired in 2003, at the age of 53, and returned to Cheshire to devote himself to philanthropic endeavours. He became a trustee and later Chair of East Cheshire Hospice, Vice President of the Cheshire Community Foundation, President of Congleton4Congleton and trustee of his own family charitable foundation. He was awarded an MBE for services to charity in 2019, having become a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2015.
In 2013 Robert was given a terminal cancer diagnosis after contracting oesophageal cancer and he has spent recent years battling his illness and the diagnosis.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Technology is bestowed upon Robert in recognition of his role as a pioneer in the formation of the internet and his dedicated support to his native Cheshire.
He said: “The award from Staffordshire University came as a total surprise and I am hugely grateful and humbled. It is a great honour for anyone to be recognised in this way.”
Darren Birt, Doctor of Technology (DTech)
Darren Birt is a director of FHL Cloud Solutions and a partner at RSM UK. Darren graduated from Staffordshire University in 2003 with a degree in Internet Technology and again in 2020 with an MBA.
FHL has been providing work experience placements for Staffordshire University students for over a decade and is also a sponsor of GradEx, the annual exhibition of project work undertaken by final-year students, and ConnectedFutures, the University’s annual careers festival.
Darren attended Birches Head High School and Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College before choosing Staffordshire University to pursue his interest in IT. His work placement year was spent at Peach Data Services, a local computer networking company, which he joined before co-founding his own company.
FHL was launched in 2007 and now employs around 80 staff, with more than 60% of those being from Staffordshire University, having launched a placement scheme with the University in 2011.
In 2017, FHL was acquired by RSM UK, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services, which has allowed the company to continue building on its success as the leading provider of NetSuite products, solutions and services.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Technology is bestowed upon Darren in recognition of him being an inspirational and enterprising Staffordshire University graduate. The award also acknowledges his outstanding and continuous contribution to the University, offering work experience opportunities and training to placement students, enabling them to prepare for graduate level roles by transforming their raw talent into technical knowledge and expertise.
He said: “The award came as a complete surprise. It was a proud and amazing moment when I received the letter. It is humbling and a great honour to receive this award from the University I graduated from almost 20 years ago.”
Paul Farmer OBE – Doctor of the University (DUniv)
Paul Farmer OBE has been the Managing Director of Wade Ceramics for over 20 years. Paul joined Wade Ceramics in 1996 as the Financial Director and following a management buy-out became Managing Director in 2000.
In 2009, Wade Ceramics began transitioning into a new £8m factory in Stoke-on-Trent’s Festival Trade Park, the first new greenfield ceramics factory in the region for over 50 years. In October 2018, Wade Ceramics also reopened the former Aynsley China site in Longton. Paul’s successful leadership of Wade Ceramics saw him awarded an OBE for International Trade and Services to the Ceramics Industry in Her Majesty’s 2014 New Year’s Honours List.
Today his company now employs over 200 people, including several Staffordshire University graduates.
Having begun his career as a trainee accountant at Wedgwood he was among the first cohort to undertake professional exams in cost and management accounting at the Leek Road campus of Staffordshire Polytechnic, which later became Staffordshire University.
Paul was President of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce from 2016 to 2019 and is now Honorary Treasurer.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon Paul in recognition of his role as one of the most respected and influential business leaders in Staffordshire and the significant role he has played in the regeneration and development of the local economy.
The award also acknowledges his daring management style and innovative approach to business, which has seen a significant boost to employment in the region and long-term sustainability of Stoke-on-Trent.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award from Staffordshire University. From my personal perspective, I’m every bit as proud to receive the Honorary Doctor award from Staffordshire University as I was to receive the OBE.”
David Gage MBE DL – Doctor of the University (DUniv)
David Gage MBE DL was a member of the Staffordshire University Board of Governors for 10 years, including Chair for the final four years of his tenure.
He was the founder-Chair of the University’s Development Board, established in 2012 to build the University’s relationships with alumni, friends and patrons and to raise money to enhance student aspirations, improve life opportunities and widen participation in higher education.
He also influenced higher education governance at a national level through his membership of the Committee of University Chairs and the Office for Students’ Financial Sustainability Strategy Group.
David was appointed Her Majesty The Queen’s Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2014 and awarded an MBE in Her Majesty’s 2016 Birthday Honours for services to business and higher education.
Prior to joining the University, David spent a career in banking and financial services. He served in the London Head Office of NatWest Bank PLC and held various regional roles. David is a member of Lichfield Cathedral Council and their Investment Committee.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon David in recognition of his tireless commitment to Staffordshire University.
The award also acknowledges the ways in which he helped transform the lives of students during his tenure as Chair of the University’s Development Board
He said: “I couldn’t be more pleased and honoured than to receive this award from the University that has been my life for some 10 years. Staffordshire University is an exceptional higher education institution, respected worldwide for its teaching and research.”
Jeremy Lefroy – Doctor of the University (DUniv)
Jeremy Lefroy was MP for Stafford from 2010 to 2019, during which time he championed vital local services and helped secure investment for job creation within Stafford Borough.
Jeremy’s work as MP included campaigning for investment in local hospitals, showing businesses that “Stafford is a good place to invest” and developing close links with Staffordshire University to help provide the best possible opportunities for young people.
He now chairs the Staffordshire Enterprise Board and aims to continue to support enterprise and employment in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Nationally, he has campaigned for better support for unpaid carers and families, as well as for investment in mental health services.
Qualified as a Chartered Accountant, he has worked as a foreman at the Ford Motor Company plant in Bridgend and in the coffee industry in Tanzania where he lived with his family from 1989 to 2000.
During this time, Jeremy championed employment opportunities for Tanzanians and also established Equity for Africa, which has since grown into one of the largest equipment leasing companies in the country – helping to create and sustain thousands of jobs for low-income farmers and entrepreneurs.
Upon his return to the UK in 2000, Jeremy and his family settled into his wife’s home village of Keele. Within three years, he was elected as a councillor for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and then later, in 2010, became the MP for Stafford.
As an MP, Jeremy was a member of the International Development Committee chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases and continues as Vice-Chair of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon Jeremy for championing local causes and helping tackle challenges such as deprivation and pressures on family life. The award also acknowledges his contribution to the work and development of Staffordshire University.
He said: “I am very surprised and honoured to receive this award from Staffordshire University. I hope to continue providing my support to the people of Staffordshire and Stoke – young and old – in any way I can.”
Professor Mark Radford PhD RN – Doctor of Science (DSci)
Professor Mark Radford is the Chief Nurse for Health Education England and Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Mark has been leading HEE’s response to the pandemic, ensuring nursing and midwifery students are able to support frontline colleagues, and have access to the information and support they need. He has recently taken up leadership of the Workforce and Training workstream of the COVID-19 NHS vaccination delivery programme.
As Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England, Mark supports the Chief Nursing Officer in ensuring the NHS workforce is fit for the future which looks at everything from recruitment and retention, to ensuring places of work are rewarding, positive and filled with opportunity, and enabling more volunteers to support front-line staff.
Since his own graduation, in 1994 Mark has held full-time clinical roles at University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire. He was a nurse consultant for 10 years, with a focus on trauma, perioperative and emergency care, before being appointed Director of Nursing for Surgery in 2009 and, subsequently, Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Director.
He has been involved in multiple research projects looking at the roles of nursing in advanced practice, gender disparity and pay, as well as big data analysis of nursing and retention. He has also published five books on emergency and perioperative surgery throughout his career.
Recently, Mark has been working on a major research project with Sarahjane Jones, Staffordshire University Associate Professor from the School of Health and Social Care. The project is looking at retention of NHS nurses and ways to improve outcomes for students.
Mark is also Professor of Nursing at Birmingham City and Coventry Universities, where he teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supports research projects and works on blended learning techniques.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Science is bestowed upon Mark in recognition of his position as a highly respected and influential healthcare leader and his commitment to quality and patient safety. The award also acknowledges his role in pioneering non-physician services within the fields of perioperative care and surgical assessment.
He said: “The award came as a massive surprise. I’m hugely pleased to receive the recognition from my peers and from such a great University – an institution with the highest standards for the teaching of its students and the ethos of its research agenda. It is an honour.”
Maria Scrivens
Communications Manager
t: 01782 294375
m: 07766 520339
e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University is the Connected University; connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society. Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have specialist Centres of Excellence in Healthcare Education at Stafford and Shrewsbury.
We were recognised with a Gold award in the 2019 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year at the THE Awards 2020 and were named ‘Midlands University of the Year’ at the Midlands Business Awards 2020.
Staffordshire University has signed up to the Civic University Agreement, pledging to play a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We were recognised in the top 15 for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. We aim to be a leading university for digital technologies building on our proud computing heritage and in 2019 launched Staffordshire University London’s Digital Institute which is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries.
We are a Top 250 Young University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020) and are connected globally, with more than 11,000 people studying Staffordshire University degrees overseas.