Education

Sir John Jones

Doctor of Education (2022)

Sir John Jones

Sir John Jones was knighted in 2003 for his services to education, a profession he refers to as the ‘Magic-Weaving Business’; the title of his best-selling book. Having worked most of his professional life in challenging schools in the north-west of England, including as headteacher of three of them, John went on to advise government on tackling disadvantage, raising aspiration and supporting struggling institutions. A passionate believer in the power of inspirational teachers to transform young lives, John continues to share his experiences with audiences around the world as an author and inspirational speaker.

Download John's citation (pdf 81kb)

Alan James

Doctor of Education (2019)

Alan James

Alan James has helped thousands of students to make the most of their university experience as General Manager of SUBU – BU’s Students’ Union – for the past 25 years.

Over this time, he has become known for his empowering approach to leadership, as well as his ability to co-ordinate the energies and interests of the union’s staff and full-time elected officers.

Alan says that his role has been a “pure joy”. He has appreciated the freedom to make decisions that are driven by serving students’ best interests and has taken daily inspiration from seeing those around him grow and develop.

Download Alan James' citation (pdf 70kb)

Canon Dr Bill Merrington

Doctor of Education (2019)

Canon Dr Bill Merrington

Bill Merrington has served as an Anglican priest for more than 35 years, during which time he has written extensively on issues relating to bereavement, loss and pastoral care, and has supported countless families affected by grief.

In 2007, Bill developed a multi-faith chaplaincy for students and staff at Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth. Having moved on from the role in 2018, he is fondly remembered for his wisdom, care and guidance.

He has since served as a chaplain to lifers at a high-security prison and continues to work as a counsellor.

Download Bill Merrington's citation (pdf 69kb)

Larry Hollingworth, CBE

Doctor of Education (2019)

Larry Hollingworth

Larry Hollingworth has made an outstanding contribution to the field of emergency relief. As Head of Office for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, his leadership has provided help to countless men, women and children displaced from their homes due to war and natural disaster.

Today Larry draws on his experiences to educate others, as Director of Humanitarian Programs at the Center for International Humanitarian Co-operation at Fordham University in New York.

He has also provided valuable advice and support to BU’s own Disaster Management Centre.

Download Larry Hollingworth's citation (pdf 72kb)

Valerie Pitt-Rivers, CVO, DL

Doctor of Education (2019)

Valerie Pitt-Rivers

Valerie Pitt-Rivers has made an outstanding contribution to Dorset’s charitable and public sectors. Having supported the leadership of the county’s health service in a voluntary capacity over two decades, in 2006 she became the first female Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset.

Her work was recognised when she was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, for her personal services to The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

For the past five years Valerie has served as a BU Pro-Chancellor, acting as a powerful advocate for the university’s work in the region.

Download Valerie Pitt-Rivers' citation (pdf 72kb)

Jeanne Bisgood

Doctor of Education (2018)

Jeanne Bisgood

Jeanne Bisgood has made a significant impact on the educational landscape of Bournemouth and Poole, during a 30-year career in local government.

In the 1970s Jeanne chaired the new Dorset Education Committee, where she was involved in the decision to establish the Dorset Institute of Higher Education. Her early leadership is considered to be a major contribution to BU’s foundation.

Jeanne's contribution to the region led to her being awarded a CBE in 1982.

Jeanne passed away in May 2024.

Download Jeanne's citation (pdf 31kb)

Sally Brown

Doctor of Education (2018)

Sally Brown

Sally Brown has made a significant impact in raising standards of teaching, learning and assessment in higher education worldwide.

Despite coming to academic writing late in her career, Sally has written and co-edited 35 books.

The golden thread throughout Sally’s writing and career is the importance of assessment and feedback for effective learning. Her ‘fit-for-purpose’ model of assessment is used extensively by academics around the world.

Download Sally's citation (pdf 27kb)

Peter Harvey

Doctor of Education (2018)

Peter Harvey

Peter is Chief Executive of Dorset County Council, and Chair of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, his leadership delivered significant improvements to services affecting thousands of people.

He was Chief Executive of Dorset County Council for eight years from 1991; he oversaw further significant changes in local government in the late nineties when many of the county’s powers transferred to new, unitary authorities.

Peter’s message to graduates entering public sector roles today is to be proud of the impact you will make on these vital services.

Download Peter's citation (pdf 29kb)

Tim Lee

Doctor of Business Administration (2017)

Tim Lee enjoyed a thirty six year career with International Computers Ltd (ICL), progressing through many roles before becoming Director of Marketing.

Throughout his life, he has maintained an interest in education and after retiring joined as a board member at Bournemouth University.  His 12 years on the board, which included chairing committees and five years as Deputy Chair, make him the university’s longest serving board member.

Download Tim Lee's Citation (pdf 72kb)

Alan Hunt

Honorary Fellowship (2017)

Alan Hunt worked for Bournemouth University and its predecessor institutions for over thirty years, from 1975 to 2007. 

He started as a lecturer in archaeology and history, before becoming Director of Studies in the School of Conservation Sciences and later joining the SMT as Head of Academic Development and Quality.

Download Alan Hunt's Citation (pdf 45kb)

Sir Tim Smit KBE

Doctor of Education (2016)

Sir Tim Smit is a successful entrepreneur who has enjoyed a career spanning archaeology, the music industry, horticulture and global education.  He was fundamental in the development of two of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project.

He is also Director of ‘Jurassica’, a project to convert an old Portland stone quarry into a major educational centre and tourist attraction in Dorset.

Sir Tim was awarded an honorary CBE in 2002 and an honorary KBE in 2011, which was made substantive in 2012 when he became a British Citizen.

Download Sir Tim Smit's Citation (pdf 43kb)

David Hines

Doctor of Education (2016)

David Hines served as an independent member on the University Board for eight years.  Throughout that time he was a member of the Finance & Resources Committee, and also served on the Audit and Risk Committee.   He has provided support and expertise to BU, especially on the Estates Development Framework, realising iconic new buildings including the Student Centre and Fusion.

David is also Chief Executive of Quantum Group, a Dorset-based business specialising in developing and operating state of the art care homes and is pioneering high quality, yet low cost, shared ownership urban retirement communities.

Download David's Citation (pdf 38kb)

Sheena Byrom OBE

Doctor of Education (2016)

Sheena Byrom is one of the UK’s most experienced midwives and she is passionate about evolving midwifery practice.  She is an accomplished academic and author, and has served on a number of national strategic groups including the government’s Midwifery 2020 Steering Group, and the NICE Guideline Development Group for postnatal care.

Sheena was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to midwifery.

Download Sheena Bryom's Citation (pdf 42kb)

Dame Annette Brooke, DBE, PC

Doctor of Education (2015)

Annette Brooke served as an MP from 2001 until 2015, representing the constituency of Mid Dorset and North Poole. Before her time in Parliament, she worked as a school teacher and as a tutor for the Open University.

In addition to her pedagogic career, Annette served as a local councillor in Poole for 17 years including a term as Mayor. She was awarded an OBE in 2013 and was made Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2015 Dissolution Honours Lists.

Download Dame Annette Brooke's citation (pdf 16kb)

Lawrence Vincent

Doctor of Education (2015)

Lawrence Vincent has recently retired as Principal and Chief Executive of Bournemouth & Poole College of Further Education where he worked for 20 years. He spent the early parts of his career working with young people in the UK and USA and has always held a passion for tackling social issues.

This passion and life-long commitment has led to Lawrence volunteering with a number of organisations and being involved in the formation of the MindSet Group, who support students preparing for the workplace. 

Download Lawrence Vincent's citation (pdf 15kb)

Roy Spragg

Doctor of Education (2015)

Roy Spragg is a former actuary who has served as a Director and Board Member with some of the UK's biggest financial institutions. He has worked as a valued Board Member of Bournemouth University and generously given his significant experience to chair the university's Audit, Risk and Governance Committee.\

Roy has also volunteered with a number of other Boards including The Chlidren's Mutual and the Teacher's Building Society. He is passionate about supporting BU's students and the Dorset area.

Download Roy Spragg's citation (pdf 15kb)

Dr Kenneth Vall

Doctor of Education (2013)

Dr Ken Vall, an international leader in chiropractic, was Principal of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic from 2004 to 2012.

Since 1977 he has served the College as consultant, lecturer, vice-principal, board member and Chairman of the Board.

During his principalship, the AECC consolidated its position as one of Europe's leading chiropractic educational institutions.

Professor John Tulloch

Doctor of Letters (2013)

Professor John Tulloch is a widely influential sociologist who has spent most of his working life in UK and Australian universities.

His numerous research publications have made major contributions to cultural and media studies.

John is a survivor of the 7 July 2005 London bombings who became a symbol of those traumatic events when his photograph appeared on the front pages of many newspapers.

Download John Tulloch's citation (pdf 193kb)

Fiona McMillan

Doctor of Education (2012)

Fiona McMillan was Principal of Bridgwater College for 17 years, retiring in March 2012 after leading the college to many successes and an outstanding reputation for excellence.

She was also President of the Association of Colleges in 2011-2012.

Fiona has been a strong supporter of BU as a member of the University Board from 2006 to 2011 and again from 2013 to the present.

Download Fiona McMillan's citation (pdf 26kb)

Dr Brian Astin

Doctor of Education (2011)

Dr Brian Astin gave long and outstanding service to BU, which he joined as a Chemistry lecturer in 1990.

He quickly moved to senior roles in the School of Applied Sciences (now the Faculty of Science & Technology), later becoming its Dean and ultimately our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education).

Our progressive and contemporary curriculum owes much to Brian’s leadership.

Download Brian Astin's citation (pdf 18kb)

Michael Riordan

Doctor of Education (2010)

Michael Riordan has given long and outstanding service to this University as Director of Human Resources.

Previously he held senior executive posts in the NHS.

He was a key member of our University Executive Team through two eventful decades, during which our national and international profile was greatly strengthened.

Download Michael Riordan's citation (pdf 58kb)

Professor Sir Brian Follett

Doctor of Science (2008)

Professor Sir Brian Follett was Chairman of the Training and Development Agency for Schools between 2003 and 2009.

An internationally reputed academic, he was also Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick for ten years. His 'Follett Reports' prompted greater government funding for university libraries to bring them into the 'electronic age'.

He also wrote other government reports, including the inquiry into the 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Sir Brian also distinguished himself in other national roles such as the Chairmanship of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and received many high academic distinctions and awards.

Download Brian Follett's citation (pdf 16kb)

Rev Dr David Hart

Doctor of Education (2007)

The Reverend Dr David Hart was Chaplain at Bournemouth University between 1999 and 2007. His impact on the university was immense. Countless students and staff turned to him for support and counsel in times of difficulty or crisis.

He built and fostered a sense of community on campus and took a leading part in the internationalisation of the University.

David Hart is now Superintendent of the Bristol and South Gloucestershire circuit.

Download David Hart's citation (pdf 19kb)