Trio of influential educational leaders recognised with honorary degrees from Birmingham Newman University
“Inclusion is a responsibility and a moral imperative,” was the call-to-arms from education leader Dr Nicola Crossley, one of three national education leaders awarded with honorary doctorates from Birmingham Newman University.
Nicola, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Academy Trust, joined Pat Carvalho (Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Birmingham Metropolitan College) and Dr Ruth Pearce (Professor of Nursing at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust) in taking to the Birmingham Symphony Hall stage to accept Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Education.
Pat was honoured for her championing of the further education sector; Ruth for raising awareness of the importance of healthcare education and clinical training; and Nicola for more than 25 years as a national leader, researcher and advocate for inclusive practice.
Nicola noted, “To have been recognised by an institution which embodies inclusive practice is truly an honour and something I will remember with pride for the rest of my life.”
For Pat, she acknowledged that by receiving the honorary degree, it was “a great privilege to be associated with Birmingham Newman University, its staff, and its students.”
And for Ruth she felt “deeply humbled and truly honoured to receive this honorary doctorate.”
Each of the University’s latest honorary graduates shared words of wisdom with the degree congregation, which included hundreds of students who had completed their studies with Birmingham Newman this year.
Ruth spoke of how “no algorithm can substitute for kindness and no innovation can replace human connection.” Pat encouraged everyone to “ensure we don’t lose sight of ourselves as capable of leaving the world in a better place than we found it.” And Nicola advised graduates to “hold fast to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves to belong, to matter, to participate and to experience success.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jackie Dunne MBE said:
“Graduation is a defining moment in our academic year, reflecting our mission to provide opportunities and shape positive futures through inclusive university education.
“It is a privilege to celebrate not only our inspirational students, whose determination and achievements embody the values of our University, but also our honorary graduates, whose significant contributions to society we recognise because they reflect the importance of social justice, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
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Notes to Editors:
About our Honorary Graduates
Pat Carvalho has dedicated more than 35 years to the further education (FE) sector, taking up her first principalship in 2015. She joined Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) in 2021 as the Principal and CEO.
Dr Nicola Crossley has dedicated over 25 years to education as a leader, researcher, and advocate for inclusive practice, spanning primary, secondary, mainstream, and specialist education. Dr Crossley is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Academy Trust and under her leadership, the trust champions innovative approaches to supporting autistic pupils and young people with complex needs, creating environments where learners can thrive, feel valued and achieve their full potential.
Dr Ruth Pearce is a distinguished healthcare educator, clinical leader and Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham. She serves as Professor of Nursing at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, where she leads the strategic development of education and workforce learning across nursing, allied health professions and midwifery
About Birmingham Newman University
Since 1968, Birmingham Newman University has grown into a modern, inclusive institution – gaining full university status in 2013 – that welcomes people from all backgrounds and world views. Its future is shaped by a clear vision and a set of goals that reflect an ambition to be the leading university in inclusive education for the graduate workforce of tomorrow.
Birmingham Newman University’s values provide the foundation for a diverse and vibrant academic community. At the heart of this is a commitment to a values-driven, high-quality university education.
The University hosts an Open Day on Saturday 21 November 2026, 10am to 3pm.
