The honorands for Derby July 2026
Ceremony 1
June Hughes, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
June Hughes enjoyed a 37-year career at the University of Derby, joining as a Faculty Administration Officer in 1987 (when the University was still the Derbyshire College of Higher Education), rising to University Secretary & Registrar and member of the Executive Board by 2015. June played a key role in the successful application for university status in 1992 and dedicated her career to improving student outcomes, enhancing student experiences and shaping academic governance.
June is enormously respected across the Higher Education (HE) sector. Through membership and fellowship of the Association of HE Professionals and the Association of Heads of University Administration, June helped to shape national policy for HE professional service and provided valuable support and advice for her peers.
The University is proud to recognise June’s outstanding contribution to education and the University.
Ceremony 2
Mark Gregory, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Mark Gregory recently retired as General Counsel of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc after a distinguished 21-year career with the Derby-based global engineering firm. Appointed one of the youngest General Counsels in the FTSE 100 at just 39, he went on to lead a global legal team of 450. Mark was a director of Rolls-Royce plc and its German-headquartered Power Systems business, and served as executive sponsor for diversity and inclusion.
Since 2022, Mark has also chaired the Board of Trustees at QUAD, Derby’s centre for art, film and digital creativity. Under his stewardship, and through challenging post-Covid times, QUAD continues to play a vital role in providing inclusive cultural opportunities for communities, families and young people across Derbyshire.
The University is proud to recognise Mark’s significant contribution to the legal profession and to the wider Derbyshire region.
Ceremony 3
Firs Primary School, University of Derby Honorary Partnership Award
Firs Primary School is a longstanding partner of the University, dedicated to supporting, nurturing and developing our students, sharing best practice, collaborating on research projects, and fundamentally driving a shared commitment to social mobility and inclusivity.
The School demonstrates exceptional care in supporting our students on placements; its staff generously contribute their expertise to University conferences and events, enriching the experience of our students; and under visionary leadership, the school actively engages with research-informed practice, collaborating and leading on an ongoing research project to develop sustainability and nature connectedness in both the curriculum and school site. Their approach to education is both applied and forward thinking, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence, equity, and future-focused education.
The University is proud to recognise the impact of its long-standing collaboration with Firs Primary School which exemplifies the University’s values and commitment to social mobility.
Ceremony 3
Emeritus Professor Huw Davies, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Emeritus Professor Huw Davies is an internationally recognised artistic researcher, filmmaker, photographer and curator. Over a career spanning more than forty years, he has made significant contributions to teaching and research at universities in the UK, China, and the United States. He most recently worked at the University of Derby before retiring in March 2025. As Emeritus Professor of Lens Media, he continues to support staff and postgraduate students here.
Huw’s extensive portfolio includes broadcast commissions for Arts Council England, Scottish Screen, BBC, Discovery Channel, Arte, and Canal+. His films have featured at international festivals in over 40 countries. In 2004, he founded the Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival and led in establishing the partnership between the University and FORMAT International Photography Festival, both highly regarded platforms for contemporary visual culture. He currently chairs Artcore, a contemporary arts and community space in Derby.
The University is proud to recognise Huw’s outstanding contribution to the cultural and creative sectors.
Ceremony 4
Jackie Brocklehurst, Honorary Master of Science (HonMSc)
Jackie Brocklehurst enjoyed a distinguished 43-year career as a registered nurse, working across a wide range of health and social care settings in acute and community services throughout the Midlands. Most recently, she served as NHS Assistant Director of Clinical Leadership & Education (Nursing & Midwifery), where she played a key role in shaping nursing education, advancing clinical quality, and strengthening professional leadership. In 2017, she was awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse, a prestigious honour recognising excellence in patient care, leadership and learning.
As a volunteer for Girlguiding for almost 40 years, serving in various roles including Deputy Chief Commissioner for the Midlands and a trustee for Girlguiding Midlands, Jackie has made a significant civic contribution to promoting the empowerment of girls and young women.
The University is proud to recognise Jackie’s outstanding contribution to nursing and her enduring support for the University.
Ceremony 5
Gillian Sewell, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Gillian Sewell has spent more than three decades transforming opportunities for young people across Derbyshire. Beginning her career at Leicester YMCA in 1992 and becoming Chief Executive of Derby YMCA in 2000, she has led major developments including the rebuild of the London Road campus and the creation of Foundry Point, providing affordable homes and pathways into education and employment for young people. She founded YMCA Key College, offering vocational qualifications, and established YMCA Y Kidz, now a long standing childcare and family support service. Beyond the YMCA, she has contributed to the EMCCA Inclusive Growth Commission and founded the Tale of Two Cities: Early Years initiative tackling child poverty. Following the loss of her son Lewis, she created the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust to support aspiring performers.
The University is proud to recognise Gillian’s outstanding leadership, resilience and commitment to social impact which has shaped communities across the region.
