Four honours have been announced for GuildHE Member institutions in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), was awarded a CBE. The award recognises her outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Higher Education. Professor Thomas is a valued member of the GuildHE Executive and represents GuildHE on several groups including the QAA Board and on the Advisory Committee on Degree Awarding Powers.

There was more recognition for UCA as Lesley Millar, Professor of Textiles Culture and Director of the Anglo Japanese Textile Research Centre, was awarded an MBE for her services to Higher Education.

Alison Blackburn, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Harper Adams University College, was awarded the OBE for services to land-based higher education.
And Colin Parkin, Director of Facilities at York St John University, was awarded the MBE for services to higher education.

Andy Westwood, CEO of GuildHE, said:
“I would like to congratulate Elaine, Lesley, Alison and Colin on behalf of GuildHE. Individually these are great achievements and the honours are welcome recognition of the valuable work our members do in serving the sector. This is particularly relevant at the start of Universities Week, an opportunity to show what universities and higher education institutions offer not only to their students but to society as a whole.”

GuildHE would also like to congratulate Professor Steve Smith, who was knighted for his services to higher education through his tenure as President of Universities UK and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter.

For more information and comment, please contact:

Andy Westwood
Tel: 020 7387 7711
Mobile: 07970007142
Email: andy.westwood@guildhe.ac.uk

Notes to editors
1. GuildHE is a recognised higher education representative body. Its 32 members are among the most dynamic and fastest-growing institutions in the sector. For a list of GuildHE institutions, please visit: https://www.guildhe.ac.uk/en/members-list/

2. The full Birthday Honours list 2011 was published on 11 June 2011 and can be found at https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197706

3. Universities Week is taking place from 13-19 June 2011, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. Full details of the Universities Week campaign can be found at: https://www.universitiesweek.org.uk