Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, has been honoured with the Coventry Award of Merit in recognition of his contributions to higher education, inclusive economic growth, and community engagement in the city.

Alongside Professor Croft, the other recipients of this year’s prestigious award include musician Pauline Black, educator Sybil Hanson, Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, former Coventry City Football Club manager Mark Robins, and Coventry Rugby Club Executive Chairman Jon Sharp.

The award is given by Coventry City Council to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the city and its residents. It’s only been presented eight times since its inception in the 1960s and has previously honoured figures such as athlete David Moorcroft, poet Philip Larkin, and Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle.

Professor Croft has been part of The University of Warwick since 2007 and has served as Vice-Chancellor since 2016. During this time, he has championed Warwick’s role as a key part of Coventry’s civic and economic life, strengthening the University’s ties with local communities, charities, and businesses.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, said,

“Coventry is a city built on collaboration, resilience, and ambition, and I am deeply honoured to receive the Coventry Award of Merit. At Warwick, we take great pride in our role as part of this city – working together with local communities, businesses, and organisations to drive positive change. I share this recognition with everyone at the University who has helped to make a difference in Coventry, and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Congratulating the six winners, Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr George Duggins said, “The Award of Merit is not awarded often, it is not an annual presentation, but only given when people have shown outstanding commitment to our city and those who live here.

“The six people we are honouring are wonderful examples of that dedication and I am delighted that they are being recognised. They have not only excelled in their own chosen fields, they have taken their pride in Coventry and love for their city and used their skills to give something back.

“The nominations for these latest winners show the great amount of outstanding and selfless work they have carried out. They all come from different backgrounds and have different talents, but they all have something in common – their desire to help others and make Coventry a better place.

“Thank you to them all for everything they have done for our city. They are great Coventrians, and very worthy recipients of this great honour.”

The award for Professor Croft comes as the University celebrates its 60th anniversary and reaffirms its commitment to making a better world together and a positive, lasting impact for years to come.

The awards will be formally presented at a ceremony later this year.

To learn more about the Coventry Award of Merit and its past recipients, visit: Coventry City Council’s websiteLink opens in a new window.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791