Honorands - 2024

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.

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.