Lizzie Ball, Honorary Master of the University

Hathersage-born violinist Lizzie Ball was named an Honorary Master of the University in November 2018 in recognition of her achievements in the field of music, and her innovative and creative approach to classical music in particular. Lizzie has performed with some of the industry’s biggest names and worked with children across the world to promote music through workshops and other projects.

Max Fischer, Honorary Master of the Arts

Restauranteur and chef Max Fischer, originally from West Germany but now a long-time resident of the Peak District, was awarded an Honorary Master of the Arts Degree at Buxton in November 2018 in recognition of his services to the hospitality industry and the impact of his Michelin Star restaurant at Baslow Hall, in Derbyshire and nationally.

Kay Fawcett OBE, Honorary Doctor of the University

Kay’s long and distinguished career in nursing in the Midlands was followed by leading the development of the national Care Certificate in 2014 for Health Education England, and working closely with the University on the creation of the Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. She was made an Honorary Doctor of the University in November 2018 in recognition of her achievements in the provision of health and social care education and her impact on the healthcare workforce.

John Forkin, Honorary Doctor of the University

Marketing Derby Managing Director John Forkin, who spearheads efforts to generate investment and development in the city, was named as an Honorary Doctor of the University in July 2019. Normanton-born John was honoured for his tireless work to get investors to ‘think Derby’ for more than a decade and his continued strong support for the University.

Chris Hughes, Honorary Doctor of the University

Chris Hughes, a long-time trustee of the University of Derby and former Chair of its Governing Council, was named in July 2019 as an Honorary Doctor of the University for his work to promote its growth, and the wellbeing of its staff and students, over the past 17 years.

Brian Jones, Honorary Master of the University

Brian Jones, Chief Executive of the SENAD Group, which has developed high quality educational programmes for children and adults with a variety of special educational needs, was honoured in July 2019. He was named an Honorary Master of the University for his work to promote the equality of education provision for young people.

Judy Leden MBE, Honorary Master of the University

Judy Leden MBE, champion hangglider and co-founder of a Derbyshire flying school, was honoured for her achievements to promote hang-gliding and the impact she has had on the local flying community over the past four decades, during which time she has won championships and broken records in her sport. She was named an Honorary Master of the University in July 2019.

Steve Perez, Honorary Master of Business Administration

Chesterfield businessman and chairman of Global Brands, one of the UK’s fastest growing companies, and a four-time British rally champion, Steve Perez, was honoured in November 2018 in recognition of his achievements as a local entrepreneur and his impact on the local economy.

Chris Shrigley, Honorary Doctor of the University

Chris Shrigley was made an Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby in July 2019, in recognition of his international success in the world of video gaming. Although he now lives in the USA, Chris was born in Derbyshire, which is where he set up Core Design, the company behind the hugely successful Tomb Raider games.

Andy Sneap, Honorary Master of the University

Andy Sneap, originally from Belper, has earned acclaim for his work as a rock musician and producer, working with some of the world’s top-heavy metal bands, such as UK veteran rockers Judas Priest, for whom he is now a guitarist. He was named an Honorary Master of the University in July 2019 for his contribution to the rock music industry in the UK and overseas.

Colin Treadaway-Hoare, Honorary Doctor of the University

Explorer and scientist Colin TreadawayHoare has followed a successful career in industry with his interest in discovering butterflies around the world, writing more than 100 scholarly publications to date on the subject. He has shared his vast knowledge and experience of working on butterfly taxonomy with staff and students at the University, which recognised his significant contribution to butterfly research with an honorary degree in November 2018.