We are delighted to celebrate those people in our community who have received awards in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Robb Johnston, Technical Services Manager for the Physics department, has worked at Warwick University for 39 years. He oversees the management of technical support staff, and the building's critical services, infrastructure and maintenance.

Robb receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Physics. The BEM is awarded for meritorious and 'hands-on' service to the local community.

On receiving the honour Robb commented, “I am extremely honoured and incredibly surprised to receive this award, it came out of the blue. I’m grateful to those who nominated me.”

There are two further awards for colleagues who work in partnership with us as part of our wider community.

Professor Adam Boddison was formerly the Director of the Centre for Professional Education at Warwick from 2013 to 2015. He also gained his PhD in Mathematics Education at Warwick in 2010. Adam receives the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs.

Professor Robert Alan Dover, Chairman of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK works closely with Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). He receives the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal for services to the Automotive Industry.

Warwick Alumni

Former chair of the Investment Association and CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen, Sir Keith Skeoch (MA Economics, 1979) has been knighted for services to finance. Sir Keith is a longstanding friend of the University and his philanthropic support for Warwick includes PhD scholarships in pandemic planning.

Six of our alumni also received Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) including:

Broadcaster and comedian, Frank Skinner (MA English Literature, 1985) has been recognised for his for services to entertainment. He’s currently a host at Absolute Radio and of Frank Skinner's Poetry Podcast where he delves into discussion of verse.

CEO of Dignity, Kate Davidson (MBA, 2019) has been recognised for her work with bereaved people during Covid-19 for her role as Commercial Director of the Westerleigh Group in February 2020. During that time, she was overseeing 50,000 funerals a year.

Civil Servant, Dr Vivienne Connell-Hall (PhD Ethnic Relation, 2008) is recognised for her services to Diversity and Inclusion. She is currently Diversity Engagement & Stakeholder Manager in the Defence Diversity & Inclusion Programme at the Ministry of Defence.

Fellow Civil Servant, Nicholas Cady (BA Ancient History and Classical Archaeology, 1994) is recognised for his work as Deputy Head of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Team, Ceremonials, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Patron of and volunteer fundraiser for Hope and Homes for Children, Claire Wright (BA European Studies, 2012) is recognised for services to young people and charity.

Charity founder William Fletcher (BSc MORSE, 2001) has been recognised for his services to disadvantaged communities with his work setting up charity and social enterprise, Recycling Lives.

The honours system recognises those who have made achievements in public life, or who have committed themselves to serving and helping the United Kingdom. We are proud to celebrate and congratulate our community members on their excellent accomplishments.

If you received a New Year Honour and are not mentioned above, we congratulate you. Please get in touch to let us know.

Robb Johnston awarded British Empire Medal (BEM)