HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019/20: New Year Honours 2020

The New Year Honours list for 2020 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

A number of our alumni and others with a connection to the University received honours, including:

CBE - Professor Jacqueline Margaret Kay MBE FRSE, Chancellor, for services to literature

Jackie Kay is an award-winning poet and novelist and the third Scottish Poet Laurette, The Scots Makar. Since 2014 she has also been Chancellor and Writer in Residence of the University of Salford, representing the university externally and supporting the work of students and the wider community. In 2019, a play based on her biographical book Red Dust Road premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival and was performed at HOME Theatre in Manchester.

Knight Commander (KCVO) - Warren James Smith, JP. Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, honorary graduate

Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith is a retired businessman who has been at the heart of many development projects across Greater Manchester, such as Ordsall Hall, Bridgewater Hall, The Lowry and John Rylands Library. He has held many important posts in Greater Manchester such as Justice of the Peace, High Sheriff and now Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. In 2011 Warren became an honorary graduate of the University of Salford, receiving a Doctor of Letters.

MBE – Mohamed Ashraf Ali, alum, for services to community relations

Ashraf Ali studied Business & Finance and graduated in 2006. He is now Project Manager at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Greater Manchester, which serves as a focus for Muslim heritage and identity in Britain. Ashraf has been awarded an MBE for his services to community relations.

MBE – Elaine Billington, alum, for services to apprenticeships and young people in North West England

Elaine Billington has been described as a passionate advocate for improving opportunities for young people. She has been awarded an MBE for her services to apprenticeships and young people in North West England following a career in HR. On top of this Elaine spent eight years chairing the North West AAN, an Employer Apprentice Ambassador Network. Elaine is an alum of the University of Salford, graduating with a degree in Business and Human Resources and a qualification in Human Resources Management.

MBE – Nicolette Peel, alum, for services to women with cancer during pregnancy

Nicolette Peel has been recognised with an MBE for her work with the charity Mummy’s Star., which supports pregnant women through cancer and beyond. Whilst setting up the charity, Nicolette began her training as a midwife at the University of Salford, graduating in 2016.

You can read Nicolette's story in full.

Knighthood - Clive Hubert Lloyd CBE, honorary graduate, for services to cricket

Clive Lloyd is a former West Indies cricket captain who led his side as the dominant test team in the late 70’s and early 80’s. In 2002 he became an honorary graduate of the University of Salford, receiving a Doctor of Letters. After retirement Clive managed the West Indies, coached and commentated. He was also an ICC match referee between 2001-2006. He has been knighted for services to cricket.

Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George – Professor David Hurst Molyneux, ex Chair of Biological Science at the University of Salford and honorary graduate, for services to controlling neglected tropical diseases

Professor Molyneux has been awarded with a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his services to controlling neglected tropical diseases. David was a member of our Department of Biological Sciences from 1977-1991, serving as Professor of Biology, Chairman of the Department of Biological Services and Dean of Science. His research work was recognised by the University of Salford when he was awarded a DSc in 1992. David is now an Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool and has published over 400 academic papers.