Honorary doctorates and fellowships
Meet our 2026 award recipients
Honorary doctorates and fellowships
The University of Hertfordshire grants Honorary Awards to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society - advancing their fields, enriching public life, supporting the University, or making a meaningful impact across Hertfordshire and beyond. These honours celebrate leadership, service and excellence of significant public value, and reflect the values we champion as a University.
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Honorary Doctor of ArtsRebecca Hawkes
UK Film and Television Champion
As Head of Elstree Studios, Rebecca plays a significant role in strengthening cross-industry and international collaborations that benefit Hertfordshire and the wider creative economy.
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Honorary Doctor of ArtsHarriet Muncaster MA
Award-winning Children’s Author
Herts graduate Harriet is an internationally bestselling author and illustrator of more than 50 books, including the Isadora Moon series, published in 42 languages and with over 7 million copies sold worldwide.
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Honorary Doctor of ScienceProfessor Quintin A McKellar CBE
Higher Education Leader
Vice-Chancellor from 2011–2025, Quintin transformed the University into a top 50 institution and a national leader for research impact. Through ambitious growth, major campus investment and a focus on opportunity, he empowered generations of students and cemented a reputation for real-world impact.
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Honorary Doctor of Business (Posthumous)Professor Julie Newlan MBE
Education and Business Leader
Julie, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, left an exceptional legacy after 28 years at Herts. Combining entrepreneurial flair with strategic leadership, she helped transform the University into a thriving, socially engaged institution, shaping its growth and reputation while championing innovation and enterprise.
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Honorary Doctor of ScienceAssociate Professor Wenqin Wang
Transnational Education Leader
With more than 20 years in international education, Wenqin (Wendy) leads Hertfordshire College at Changzhou Institute of Technology, the University’s first Chinese joint institute.
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Honorary Doctor of LawsDr Rabia Bhuiyan
Legal Trailblazer
Rabia, Bangladesh’s first female barrister, champions legal education and women’s rights, helping generations of students, including many who qualify as lawyers through the Bhuiyan Academy with a Herts degree.
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Honorary Doctor of LettersAnnie Brewster DL JP
Civic Leader and Community Champion
Charity patron, public servant and former international athlete, Annie has spent two decades in civic leadership and local government. She is the first woman to serve as both Mayor of St Albans and Chair of Hertfordshire County Council.
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Honorary Doctor of Sports ScienceJohn Denis O'Callaghan
Sporting Leader
John is a lifelong advocate for the power of sport and physical activity to strengthen communities. He is also pioneer of walking squash. He recently retired as Director of the Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership.
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Honorary Doctor of ScienceProfessor Amira Guirguis, PhD, MPharm, BSc (Account.), IP, SFHEA, PGCtHE, FRCPharm, FLSW
Pioneering Pharmacist
Herts graduate Amira completed her MPharm and PhD at Herts before building a distinguished career as Chief Scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Professor of Pharmacy at Swansea University, and a pharmacist prescriber, researcher, educator and academic leader.
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Honorary Doctor of BusinessIsaac Borquaye (Guvna B)
Award winning musician and broadcaster
Herts graduate Guvna B is a three-time MOBO Award-winning rapper and musician. He is also well-known as an author, BBC broadcaster and charity leader.
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Honorary Doctor of Sports ScienceZainab Norkor Alema
Sporting Trailblazer
Rugby playing Herts graduate Zainab is paving the way for Black and Muslim women in sport. She made history as the first to play Premiership Women’s Rugby in a hijab and founded charitable project Studs in the Mud, supporting grassroots rugby in Ghana.
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Honorary Doctor of BusinessNohman Sultan Ahmed
Global Entrepreneur
Herts graduate Nohman is the Co-founder and CEO of global sneaker care brand Crep Protect. With innovative products, rapid growth and celebrity backing, Crep Protect is an international best seller sold in 20,000+ stores across 100+ countries.
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Honorary Doctor of BusinessAdrian Hawkins OBE
Business Champion
Herts-born Adrian drives business growth across Hertfordshire. As Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, he brings together business, government, education and community partners to boost employment, innovation and sustainable growth.
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FellowshipProfessor Michael Rosier
International Education Leader
A longstanding advocate of internationalisation, Mike recently retired as Director of International Education at Herts, where he expanded Study Abroad opportunities, secured Erasmus and Turing funding, and supported international accreditation.
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Honorary Doctor of BusinessBradley Michael Barritt
Leading Sportsman and Global Entrepreneur
Herts graduate Brad enjoyed a decorated rugby career playing for England, the British & Irish Lions and as Captain for Saracens. Brad is now an entrepreneur and founder of the global coffee brand Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters.