Ben Calvert
One of the UK's leading higher education figures has been Highly Commended in the Lifetime Achievement Award category at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Ben Calvert studied for a BA in Social Sciences and later completed a PhD in History at the University of Worcester between 1989 and 1996. He was recognised for a distinguished career spanning higher education leadership, governance and public service.
Over the course of his career, Ben has held several influential leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales. He has also made significant contributions to the wider education sector through positions including Chair of the UCAS Media Board, Board Member of UCAS, Deputy Chair of Universities Wales and Chair of the Welsh Government COVID Universities Guidance Group.
His extensive portfolio of leadership roles has also included board positions with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Merthyr Tydfil College and Bridgend College, reflecting his long-standing commitment to supporting education and opportunity across Wales and beyond.
The Highly Commended recognition celebrates a career dedicated to helping learners achieve their potential and shaping the future direction of higher education.
“I am very proud,” he said, adding: “I’m thrilled to see how much the University has developed.”
Ben, who grew up in Hayle, Cornwall, said the University of Worcester helped shape the values that have underpinned his leadership career.
“My time at Worcester instilled a desire to support talent in people who had not always come to higher education on a straight path, and a strong belief in the power of human relationships in education and leadership,” he said.
Those principles have remained central throughout a career focused on widening participation, supporting student success and championing the transformative power of education.
Among his fondest memories of life as a Worcester student are the friendships and community experiences that helped define his years at the University.
He recalls summer five-a-side football tournaments and acoustic evenings in the Shakin’ Stevens Bar as some of the highlights of his time on campus.
The inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards were launched earlier this year to shine a spotlight on Worcester graduates who are making a difference locally, nationally and internationally across fields including healthcare, education, business, sport, sustainability and community leadership. They formed part the University’s 80th anniversary year celebrations.