The Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, Professor David Green, has been made a CBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours in recognition of services to higher education and the county of Worcestershire.
Professor Green has led the University to remarkable transformation since becoming head in 2003, during which time he is the only person to have received both the Pride of Worcestershire and Worcestershire Ambassador of the Year awards.
"I am surprised, humbled and delighted to be awarded this national honour," said Professor Green. "In my view it is very much an award for the whole of the University of Worcester, whose staff, students, graduates and Governors do such wonderful work in the City, County and Country.
"It is a privilege and a joy to work with such talented and committed people at the University, and alongside so many friends and partners in education, health, business, public service, Church and community generally.
"I would particularly like to thank my wife, Cathy, and my daughters, Lauren and Alex, whose support, inspiration and love has been central to any and every contribution that I have made over these 16 happy years at the University of Worcester."
Under his leadership, the University of Worcester has become a thriving engine of opportunity, with a genuinely global reputation for inclusion and innovation.
It was Professor Green's foresight and values which brought about the creation of the University of Worcester Arena, Britain's first major indoor sports arena specifically designed for wheelchair athletes, and The Hive, the first completely integrated university and public library in Europe. Both have been nationally and internationally recognised as shining examples of the outstanding public benefit that an imaginative university can bring to society. They have regenerated long derelict parts of the City Centre opening opportunities for people from all sections of society to get involved in sport and education.
Success in inclusion is further evidenced through analysis by the independent think tank, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), which placed the University of Worcester in the top 10 of universities, which best reflect society earlier this year. "And in the first ever national gender pay reporting in 2018, Worcester was revealed to be the best of all universities in the UK, with the smallest average pay gap of any university, with women represented equally across the Institution from the lowest grades to the top.
In a 2015 report by Economic Insight Ltd the University was identified as a major employer in the region, supporting almost 7,000 jobs either directly or indirectly. Now, thanks to further growth, the figure is estimated at well over £300m a year sustaining more than 7,500 jobs.
John Bateman OBE, the University's Chair of Governors, said: "During Professor Green's 16 years of leadership, the University of Worcester has thrived to become one of the most inclusive institutions in the Country, providing opportunities to all those with the talent, drive and determination to succeed. Professor Green's vision and values have brought regeneration to the City of Worcester and his energy and passion for education and lifelong learning is unwavering. I am absolutely delighted that Professor Green's outstanding contribution to higher education has been publicly recognised. This national honour is very much deserved."
To read more about Professor Green and his work, download this biography.