Academics dominate King’s Honours List in the South West

Academics dominated the honours in the South West in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

The University of Plymouth’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts has been honoured.

She has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to higher education.

In a career, spanning five decades, Dame Judith has consistently sought to bridge the gap between environmental leadership and societal action.

And, since becoming Vice-Chancellor in 2016, she has grown the University’s position as a financially secure academic powerhouse for Plymouth, the South West region and beyond.

She said: “To receive such an honour is truly humbling and also a little daunting. As with all honours it is recognition of the amazing people and teams I have been privileged to work with and be inspired by.”

Andy Berry, principal and CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College, has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE.

He said: “Receiving this CBE was both surprising and incredibly humbling. This honour not only reflects my beliefs in the transformative power of education but also highlights the collective efforts of our dedicated staff at BTC. Together, we strive to enrich lives and bolster our community through outstanding educational experiences and partnerships.”

Also recognised is the RNLI’s outgoing chief executive Mark Dowie, who has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his leadership during five years in charge of the RNLI as well as two years’ previous service as Lifeboat Operations Manager at Salcombe Lifeboat Station in Devon.

Professor Ian White the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bath also received a CBE.

A Gloucestershire businessman has been awarded an MBE.

Bob Griffin, owner of trike manufacturer Tomcat, received the award for his contribution to engineering and improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Mr Griffin set up Tomcat 26 years ago to help people with learning or sensory impairments, including children, to cycle.