Anita was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors in May 2023.
Link to BCU Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/school/birmingham-city-university/posts
Graduation Ceremonies July 2026
Prof Habib Naqvi MBE, Chief Executive of the NHS Race & Health Observatory, received an Honorary Doctorate from BCU at the first of this week’s summer graduation ceremonies 🎓
Accepting his Honorary Doctorate, Professor Naqvi said: “To be acknowledged in this way, particularly for work focused on tackling inequalities in healthcare, means a great deal to me.”
Janie Frampton OBE DL, one of the UK’s most influential leaders in fostering fairness, gender equality, and emerging talent in sports and business, received an Honorary Doctorate from BCU at this week’s summer graduation ceremonies 🎓
Accepting her Honorary Doctorate, Janie said: “If my journey encourages even one student to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and pursue opportunities they never thought possible, then receiving this Honorary Doctorate will have an impact far beyond today.”
The former Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson CF, has received an Honorary Doctorate from BCU, saying it was an honour to be amongst those graduating today 🎓
She also spoke about the upcoming European Athletics Championships, saying that BCU students who will be volunteering at the sporting event should make the most of the incredible opportunity ✨
Accepting the recognition, Sharon said: “I hope no matter where in the world these graduates go, they will be proud of studying at BCU and will continue to represent Birmingham.”
Paralympic rowing legend Lauren Rowles OBE received an Honorary Doctorate from BCU at this week’s summer graduation ceremonies 🎓
Described by British Rowing as the “greatest Paralyimpic rower of all time”, Rowles stated how Birmingham has shaped so much of who she is, both as a person and an athlete 🚣♀️
Accepting her Honorary Doctorate, Lauren said: “This is such a special honour, particularly in the city where I grew up. When barriers are removed and opportunities are there, the impact that sport can have on someone’s confidence, health and future is extraordinary.”
Barbara Walker MBE RA, one of Birmingham’s most celebrated artists and a BCU alumna, received an Honorary Doctorate from the University at this week’s summer graduation ceremonies 🎓
Renowned for her powerful portraits exploring belonging, representation and the lived experiences of Black communities, Barbara returned to the University where she studied Art and Design as a mature student before going on to become one of the UK’s leading contemporary artists 🎨
Accepting her Honorary Doctorate, Barbara said: “Art is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human need, a powerful tool for understanding, connection, and change. Its importance is paramount.”
Graduation Ceremonies January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands has called for long-standing negative stereotypes of Birmingham to be challenged, urging people to “focus on the magnificence” of the region’s culture, sport and communities 🎓 https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/lordlieutenant-awarded-honorary-doctorate
Inderjeet Kaur, a midwife recently appointed to India’s National Midwifery Task Force, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by BCU at our recent Winter Graduations 🎓 “Never underestimate the power you carry,” reflected Inderjeet during a ceremony at Symphony Hall last week. Inderjeet Kaur full article
An award-winning journalist and Birmingham broadcasting icon has been awarded an honorary doctorate by BCU 🎓
Having reported for and presented on some of the UK’s most watched and listened-to broadcasters, Marverine Cole made history as one of the few Black women in the UK to read national TV news bulletins – helping to redefine who is seen and heard in British media 📰 https://lnkd.in/ez_3TeiG