Mick Fowler - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Mick Fowler is an award-winning British mountaineer and author from Matlock, Derbyshire. He was introduced to rock climbing and mountaineering by his father when he was in his early teens, and subsequently spent almost 50 years finding and climbing spectacular unclimbed mountaineering routes. He was voted the ‘Mountaineers’ Mountaineer’ in a poll of his peers by The Observer. In 2012, he was awarded the King Albert award for his ‘outstanding contribution to mountaineering’, and he is one of only four climbers to have been awarded the Piolet d'Or, mountaineering's most prestigious award, three times.
The University wishes to recognise Mick’s perseverance, determination and outstanding contribution to the world of rock climbing and mountaineering.
The honorands for Derby November 2024: Ceremony 2
Steven Thai - Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv)
Steven Thai’s journey from Vietnamese refugee to award-winning entrepreneur is a powerful testament to resilience and hard work. Fleeing persecution in Vietnam in 1979 at just 18 months old, Steven and his family sought refuge in the UK. In 1997, Steven and his father founded Ocean King, starting from a double garage with a 7.5t truck. Today, their Asian restaurant wholesale business operates from a £5m facility in Derby, driven by a mission to ‘Create Opportunities and Enrich Lives’. Steven exemplifies the University’s values of boldness and brilliance, serving as an inspirational role model in both business and the local community.
The University wishes to recognise Steven’s entrepreneurial success and his engagement with the community.
Ceremony 5
Professor Philip, Lord Norton of Louth BA MA PhD FRSA FRHistS FAcSS Hon LLD - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Philip Norton has been described as the UK's greatest living expert on Parliament and a world authority on constitutional issues. Philip Norton is Professor of Government and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies at the University of Hull and has chaired the Higher Education Commission (an independent body made up of leaders from the education sector, the business community and the major political parties) since 2013 and worked closely with the University on the ‘Arriving at Thriving’ inquiry (2020) focussed on improving the experiences of disabled students.
The University wishes to recognise Philip’s outstanding commitment to addressing equality within Higher Education and improving outcomes for students.
Credit: UK Parliament
Ceremony 6
Olivia Dean BA Dip Ed Management - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Olivia Dean’s long career in education has touched many lives. She has held various teaching and management roles in Derbyshire and has a long association with two national examination boards. She has also made a significant contribution to the public good through charity work and membership of community boards. She joined the University’s Governing Council in 2007. During her 14 years’ service as a governor, and subsequently as chair of a subsidiary board, she has been a steadfast support to the organisation and instrumental in ensuring that the University has stayed true to its commitment of social mobility.
The University wishes to recognise Olivia’s lifelong commitment to education, her public service at a regional and national level, and her enduring support for the University.
Ceremony 8
John Cooper - Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv)
Motorcycle racer John ‘Moon Eyes’ Cooper found fame and success during the golden age of road racing in the 1960s and 1970s. Derby born and bred, John began his racing career at the Derby Phoenix Motorcycle Club and graduated to grand prix racing and the Isle of Man TT. He was a multiple British champion in the 1960s and a star on the international stage. He raced British-built road bikes which he modified himself. He opened his own garage in Derby in 1965 which he ran for nearly 50 years. A true local legend, John is a keen supporter of several local charities.
The University wishes to recognise John’s significant contribution to national and international motorcycle racing and to the local economy.
The honorands for Derby July 2024:
Ceremony 2
James Stanford - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
James Stanford is an American artist native to Las Vegas. James’s fifty-year international career is best known for his digital images that create kaleidoscopic photomontages. James is patron of the University of Derby School of Art International Workshop to Nevada and supporter of Derby’s FORMAT International Photography Festival. His most recent book, The Atomic Kid, is due for release in September 2024, and in 2025 James returns to Derby for his solo exhibition, Invisible Cities, at the Museum of Making.
The University wishes to recognise James’s international profile as a seminal visual artist, his advocacy, and his support for the students at the University of Derby.
Credit: Kathleen Nathan
Ceremony 3
Theresa Peltier DL - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Theresa Peltier retired as the Head of Equality for Derbyshire Police in December 2019, having spent 27 years in policing. She has always held a strong commitment to equality and fairness throughout her career, working with the Home Office, National Police Chief’s Council, Equality and Human Rights Commission, the College of Policing and national staff associations to effect change. In April 2023, Theresa was appointed High Sheriff of Derbyshire for 2023/24, the first black High Sheriff of the county to take up office.
The University wishes to recognise Theresa’s outstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ceremony 4
Professor Sir Kevan Collins - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Sir Kevan Collins has had a long career in education and public service. He recently served as England’s Education Recovery Commissioner post-pandemic. After stepping down as Chief Executive at the Education Endowment Foundation, he supports a range of UK and international child and youth focused organisations. His career has been instrumental in increasing opportunity and social mobility at all stages of the education system. His leadership as Evidence Champion for the Opportunity Area programme was particularly impactful for Derby. He was knighted for his services to education in 2015.
The University wishes to recognise Sir Kevan’s commitment to social mobility and equality of opportunity.
Ceremony 5
Millie Bright OBE - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Millie Bright is a professional footballer who captained England to the Women’s World Cup Final in 2023. Born in Derbyshire, she first started playing for local team Killamarsh Dynamos. She signed her professional contract with Chelsea in 2015, winning the 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023 FA Women’s Cups. She was part of the Women’s 2019 World Cup squad, won the UEFA 2022 Women’s Euros, captained the 2023 World Cup squad and became Chelsea captain the same year. She was awarded an OBE in 2024.
The University wishes to recognise Millie for her achievements in high performance sport and as an outstanding role model and ambassador for Derbyshire.
Captain Harpreet Chandi MBE - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Harpreet Chandi MBE, known as Polar Preet, holds three Guinness World Records. In December 2023, she broke the female speed record, travelling 700 miles solo to the South Pole. In January 2023, she completed the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey for a woman, and overall. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole. Preet is a serving British Army Officer and physiotherapist from Sinfin in Derby and a University of Derby alumna. She was recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2022.
The University wishes to recognise Harpreet’s world record-breaking achievements in polar exploration and her work with schools in the region.
The honorand for Buxton June 2024
Professor Andrew Curran CBE BSc PhD FRSB FCMI Hon FFOM Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Andrew is Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Health and Safety Executive based in Buxton. He has led crucial research into protecting people’s health and safety at work – from occupational diseases to reducing carbon emissions and exposure to harmful substances. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as a Government Chief Scientific Adviser, he headed up the largest study in the world to better understand the transmission of the virus. He was recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List 2023 with a CBE for Public Service.
The University wishes to recognise Andrew’s outstanding achievements in scientific research and his significant contribution to public service.
