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UWE Bristol alumni recognised in 2026 New Year’s Honours

Alumni Team | 8 January 202613 January 2026

Six alumni have been recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours list. We celebrate their incredible dedication to their work in education, nursing, food procurement and sustainability, youth work, allied health professions and social housing.

Thanks to these outstanding individuals, the lives of others have been made better. We’re proud of their extraordinary achievements and contribution to public life.

Professor Maria McIlgorm

Professor Maria McIlgorm has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Nursing and Midwifery in Northern Ireland.

Maria has over 40 years’ experience in nursing across community and hospital settings, in professional, operational and strategic roles in England, Scotland and in Northern Ireland. She has been the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at the Department of Health since 2022.

Maria studied Midwifery at UWE Bristol in 1993.

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor has been awarded a knighthood for his services to education.

Steve has been Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) for 11 years. CLF is a multi-academy trust founded in Bristol but now serves Gloucestershire and Somerset. Under his tenure CLF has grown to serve more than 18,000 young people and has gained a reputation for supporting struggling schools to improve.

Steve was awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol in 2024.

Jane Hadfield

Jane Hadfield has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education.

As a registered Nurse, Jane has worked for most of her career in the NHS in Bristol, in clinical leadership roles, and the last twenty years as a Learning and Development/OD Specialist.

Jane’s grounding in leadership development includes working with the NHS Leadership Academy and academic partners, notably UWE Bristol, in delivering innovative development programmes in clinical leadership. Jane now holds a national role with NHS England, leading a programme designed to embrace widening access, participation, and inclusion.

Jane was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration by UWE Bristol in 2023.

Christine Storry has been awarded Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to sustainable and local food procurement.

Christine is currently Procurement Manager, Bath and North-East Somerset Council and CEO of Ardagh Community Trust, a community led facility for Horfield Common, Bristol.

Christine studied HND Business studies in 1999 and an MA Tourism and Sustainability at UWE Bristol, graduating in 2004.

Geoffrey Pinney

Geoffrey Pinney has been awarded Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to young people in Somerset.

Geoffrey first joined Scouts at the age of 8 and enjoyed it so much that he has been involved all his life. 75 years later he is Group President of West Hatch Scout Group in Somerset.

Geoffrey studied Local Government Management Development at UWE Bristol (then Bristol Polytechnic) in 1983.

Professor Suzanne Rastrick OBE

Professor Suzanne Rastrick OBE has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the allied health professions and to the social housing sector.

With almost 40 years in the NHS, Suzanne’s career has spanned Support Worker, Occupational Therapist, Matron, Director of Nursing and Quality, Deputy CEO and CEO. Her current role is Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for NHS England and a Non-Executive Director and Board Advisor for the National Housing Federation.

Suzanne was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by UWE Bristol in 2018.

Note:

Please let us know if we’ve missed someone who has been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list and is a UWE Bristol alum or member of staff. The team can be contacted at alumni@uwe.ac.uk.

UWE Bristol alumni – quick links

Reporting to the UN: Silas Adekunle calls for inclusion in AI

Alumni Team | 11 November 2025

Alum Silas Adekunle was invited by the United Nations to give a statement at the historic launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance this autumn.

The advice he gave to the General Assembly of world leaders was born out of his experience, passion and expertise as a builder of technologies in both the UK, and Nigeria.

Silas called for a framework that empowers innovators everywhere, especially across Africa.

Silas’ speech to those responsible for ensuring AI development is inclusive, trustworthy and globally relevant:

Excellencies and distinguished colleagues, thank you for having me here today and for the leadership that has brought such a diverse community together.

Since age 12, I’ve lived between Nigeria and the UK and I’ve seen first-hand how technology gaps become chasms.

That experience drives everything I do – from building education and gaming tech that captured imaginations, to creating visual AI for science at Reach Industries, and developing AI for African languages at Awarri.

Today’s launch matters because it tackles that gap at scale.

I speak with a dual perspective – someone who has built in resource-limited settings and also seen how quickly ideas can scale when ecosystems trust and invest in innovators.

The UN is getting three things right in its AI governance approach – and these matter deeply to builders like me:

First, the independent scientific panel. I’ve pitched to enough VCs to know there is a gap between hype and reality. Governments need unbiased technical assessment to cut through claims and focus on what’s real.

Second, and this is huge, inclusion.

More than a hundred countries have been absent from AI governance conversations until now. These are countries dealing with challenges Silicon Valley hasn’t thought about.

When we built Nigeria’s first national language model in partnership with the Government, we faced challenges like tonal speech, unseen in AI built for high-resource languages.

Third, the funding mechanism. AI investment follows old wealth patterns. This initiative could break that cycle.

I’m proof that small, agile teams can build cutting-edge AI systems that serve entire nations and transform whole industries. But we shouldn’t have to fight for every dollar whilst also solving global challenges. We need support.

The UN and its Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies now have the huge responsibility to keep the UN fit for purpose and to turn this into follow-through. It needs resourcing, technical expertise, with people who understand both code and policy. And staying close to those building on the ground.

To countries joining these talks: don’t be polite, be demanding. Your farmers need different AI than Wall Street; your students face challenges other parts of the world can’t imagine. Make that known.

AI is moving fast. We need outcomes, not just dialogue: real capacity building, interoperable systems, and trust – genuine trust that this technology won’t leave half the world behind.

If governance is shaped only by those who already hold power, it isn’t governance – it’s entrenchment. Let’s build something that truly works – not just for the few, but for everyone.

If the next majority are left out, the world misses out on what its young brilliant minds, including Africa’s, have to offer!

Thank you.

Silas Adekunle

BSc(Hons) Robotics, 2014

Honorary Doctor of Technology, 2018

Reach Industries

Awarri

See a video of Silas delivering this speech at the UN on LinkedIn.

Fired up and ready to go – Apprentice Mia Collins

Alumni Team | 30 April 20253 September 2026

^{Mia Collins candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice 2025}

BBC The Apprentice candidate Mia Collins thrives on a challenge. Discipline and structure are core to her mindset. Constantly looking to develop herself, she uses feedback as a springboard to learn and bounce back.

Soon after completing her Business Management degree at UWE Bristol, she launched a meal preparation company (making up to 700 meals every Sunday) whilst also working in Cyber Security.

But that wasn’t enough for Mia, who now competes in amateur bodybuilding having taken gold in her first show of the season. Her focus and drive has seen her realise many ambitions.

“What keeps me going? The constant challenge to be better than yesterday” says Mia.

Despite not getting to the final in the series, Mia says she feels like she’s won because she’s learnt so much. We spoke to her about her background, her Grandma, and saying yes.

Mia on her graduation day in 2019

With your bodybuilding background and entrepreneurial flair, you must be very driven. What gives you that push to work hard and succeed?

For me, it comes down to self-discipline and proving to myself what I’m capable of. Bodybuilding and business both require consistency – there’s no instant gratification, but you see results when you put the work in every single day.

“I know that the more effort I put in, the bigger the outcome.”

How has your background influenced you?

I spent a huge part of my life growing up with my Grandma. She was a real powerhouse and had a big influence on me. Losing her felt like losing my right arm; she was everything to me. I use her loss to propel myself forward.

“If I continue to work hard and keep pushing, it helps me to manage my grief as I know I am making her proud.”

My family are in the construction industry, my grandma and grandad set up our family business which my Dad now runs, they are entrepreneurs. They taught me that taking risks can pay off and hard work is always worth it.

A proud Mia outside The Bristol Business School in 2019

You recently returned to UWE Bristol to work with students. Why?

Because I know what it’s like to be a student who’s ambitious but unsure of their next move. When I was a student, I had big ideas but didn’t always know the best way to execute them.

“I want to help students bridge the gap between education and real-world experience – whether that’s through career advice, starting a side hustle, or building confidence in their own abilities.”

Women Entrepreneurs talk at UWE Bristol for International Women’s Day – Mia Collins, Emmie Runciman, Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee and Lisa Strutt

“Sometimes, you just need to hear from someone who’s been in your shoes and taken the leap.”

Finally, from your experience on The Apprentice, what one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to progress?

“Put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Growth never happens when you play it safe.”

On The Apprentice, you’re constantly thrown into tasks that you’ve never done before, under extreme pressure. It forces you to think fast, adapt, and back yourself. And that’s exactly what entrepreneurship is like.

“Say yes to things before you feel ready.”

Whether it’s applying for a job you think is out of reach, starting a business, or putting yourself forward in a room full of people – just go for it. You’ll figure it out as you go.

Mia Collins on LinkedIn

UWE Bristol alumni – quick links

What links alum Clive and 64 Arts students?

Alumni Team | 24 January 202524 January 2025

^{Image: Alum Clive Watson (left) and illustration © Abbi Bayliss, alum. (right)}

Graphic Design alum and Creative Director Clive Watson was looking to brighten up a new office development in Broadmead, Bristol. He connected with student creative agency New Wave to explore the idea of procuring artwork.

[New Wave is our student creative agency, with an upcoming show at the Arnolfini. More on that later.]

A win-win project

New Wave worked with Clive, to develop a brief commissioning student artwork to furnish all of the corridors and the public spaces in the building.

64 students worked on the project, from Illustration, Fine Art, Animation, Photography and Media Production courses. The work provided students with experience in a wide spectrum of skills within the commissioning process, including meeting clients, managing feedback, framing and installation. 40 framed prints, 70 prints for launch party gift bags, and over 100 digital images and animations were delivered.

Commissioned artwork by student Dulcie Wagstaff – Geranium

Commissioned artwork by student Tim Clarke – Clifton Suspension Bridge

Commissioned artwork by student Lucy-Bentley -Waterfall

“It was a great project – everyone was happy. It’s hard for students to find a stepping stone into the real world. It completed the circle – starting with my studies at Bower Ashton and my own career journey. I was pleased to be able to work alongside students and offer them opportunities in the commercial environment.”

Clive Watson, Director of Apply Within

Student Abbi Bayliss visiting the site in Broadmead

What is New Wave exactly?

New Wave is a student creative agency at UWE Bristol’s School of Arts. Co-designed with students and in collaboration with industry professionals and internal partners, New Wave is redefining professional experience in higher education.

It was established in 2023, in response to internal and industry research that highlights the complex and often hidden barriers to careers in the creative industries.

New Wave is nurturing a more inclusive future for the creative industries.

Find out more at the Arnolfini show

UWE | New Wave Agency – Arnolfini presents student projects with industry clients, all facilitated by New Wave during its first year of operation.

Featuring diverse mediums and practices, from festival banners to ceramic slugs, the show runs 8 February – 16 March 2025, 11:00 – 18:00 at Arnolfini, Bristol.

More about the show >

To contact New Wave directly email newwave@uwe.ac.uk

UWE Bristol alumni – quick links

Half a century of friendship

Alumni Team | 10 December 202410 December 2024

^{Val Rumbol (née Bishop) and Pat Field (née Millar), 1976}

From 1974 to 2024 – a trip back in time

When Pat reached out to organise a 50^th reunion for a group of UWE Bristol alumni, I knew we were about to witness something special. This group of friends has stayed connected since their student days, studying HND Business Studies (International Marketing and Languages) from 1974-1976 at Bristol Polytechnic.

Vintage marketing brochures — Pat’s original HND Business Studies (International Marketing and Languages) leaflets from 1970s

Their gathering was a celebration of enduring friendship, personal growth, and shared memories.

Walking through the bustling Frenchay Campus on an autumnal Friday morning, they marvelled not only at the expanded facilities but at the vibrant energy that seemed to mirror their own student days. This was the first time they had stepped foot on site since graduating in 1976. Finding what may have been their old lecture theatre was a true highlight—bringing back flashes of memories of long-ago classes and youthful ambition.

Vintage photo of large new building with a field in foreground — Frenchay campus, 1976

“We knew there would be lots of changes and developments to the buildings and the educational opportunities, but we were really blown away by what we saw, especially the Business and Law School. It was so impressive! The quality of materials used, and the thoughtful design have resulted in a fantastic place to study. Lucky students of today!”

Patricia Field, UWE Bristol alumni and reunion organiser.

Lifelong friendships

We reminisced about their student years, looking through some old photos at bars and various meet ups spanning the past 50 years.

Vintage photo of city street, looking up a hill. — Park Street 1975

They recalled their first year at Unity Street – now a block of flats in the centre of Bristol – and how much has changed. Pat and her husband, Ian, recalled those days fondly. As a lifelong friend of the group, Ian proudly claims an unofficial ‘honorary alum’ status.

Vintage photo of urban street with tall red brock building — Unity Street Polytechnic building, where they studied in their first year

Despite their busy schedule, the group even fitted in a group zoom call with a course member in America, Martyn Holland.

Successful careers

The course led them all to careers in global companies using both the international marketing and the modern language elements of the course. They all went on to work with major brands in marketing, advertising, marketing research, computing, retailing, the travel industry and publishing.

It was great to hear how their time at UWE Bristol prepared them for their working lives, with real-life experience incorporated into their learning– reflecting the university’s long-standing commitment to applied learning and career readiness.

As we said our goodbyes, it was clear that while the buildings and times may change, the bond these friends share remains as strong as ever. It’s a reminder of how formative those university years can be and how friendships forged in lecture halls and student bars often last a lifetime.

Photo of a group of women facing camera in front of university building — Alumni Gail Davies, Valerie Rumbol (neé Bishop), Patricia Field (neé Millar), Rose Adderley (Alumni Engagement Manager), Jane Wood, Jennie Emmerson (neé Lane) on Business and Law School forecourt.

“Thank you so much for making our 50th reunion visit to UWE Bristol such a wonderful occasion. We all thoroughly enjoyed our opportunity to reminisce about our lives at the Poly so many years ago.” – Patricia

Reunion attendees:

Patricia Field (neé Millar)
Gail Davies
Jennie Emmerson (neé Lane)
Valerie Rumbol (neé Bishop)
Jane Wood

The group would welcome contact from other members of their 1974 cohort. Please get in touch via alumni@uwe.ac.uk

Blog written by Rose Adderley – Alumni Engagement Manager

50 years on, Dr Bolland’s legacy endures

Alumni Team | 4 December 202417 December 2024

^{Planting trees at Coldharbour Lane (Dr Bolland in the hat) 1973}

Dr Robert Bolland was the first director of Bristol Polytechnic (1969-1974). Fifty years after his death, the values he built our institution on still endure. We look back at the life of Chemist and Educationalist Dr Bolland and find out more about how he influenced the early days of what was to become UWE Bristol.

Dr Bolland

Widening participation

“Throughout the years since Polytechnics came into being Dr Bolland made many contributions to the development of their educational philosophy…These contributions were characterised by a deep concern for social justice”

Bristol Polytechnic News, June 1974

Students who had to overcome obstacles to study were of particular concern for Dr Bolland. Under his leadership, opportunities were created at the new Polytechnic for people from all social backgrounds to access education.

The building of Bristol Polytechnic at Frenchay, 1972

These deeply felt convictions were born out of his own experiences. His career spanned diverse educational settings, and he cultivated an inclusive perspective. From his involvement in the Scout movement to his role as Lecturer at Makerere University College in Kampala Uganda, his horizons were broad. He also worked as a chemist whilst he studied for his first degree, giving him an appreciation of a hands-on approach.

Dr Bolland was passionate about opening-up alternative routes to qualifications and committed to offering part-time courses, and sandwich courses that integrated academic study with work. These principles of widening participation and practice led courses set the tone for the ethos of Bristol Polytechnic.

His ongoing gift

Dr Bolland’s inclusive approach continues to underpin our strategy. Today our equality, diversity and inclusivity vision drives UWE Bristol’s work to remove barriers to education.

We offer placements, internships, live case studies and consultancy projects to provide practical learning experiences for our students. Our ambitious apprenticeship programme combines on-the-job training with academic study, echoing our vocational roots as a Polytechnic.

But the legacy of Dr Bolland can be felt throughout the University, not just in our approach, but physically too. Dr Bolland donated money in his will to support the progression of Bristol Polytechnic.

His gift supported the development of the Bolland Library on Frenchay campus, and is remembered through a bust, sculpted by Ernest Pascoe, Head of Fine Art at Bristol Polytechnic, Bower Ashton School of Art.

Dr Bolland bust, by Ernest Pascoe, sited in Frenchay’s Bolland Library

Bolland Library, 1970s

The generosity of donors like Dr Bolland continues to impact students now. Donors give funds for capital projects, support student and alumni business ventures and provide funds for valuable grants supporting student led projects or individual hardship grants. Find out more about supporting us through the UWE Bristol Fund.

Dr Bolland and his wife at his farewell in 1969 from the University of Bath

More on Dr Robert Bolland’s life and career…

Robert William Bolland was a chemist and dedicated educationalist whose career qualified him admirably for the post of the first Director of Bristol Polytechnic, a role he held from 1969 to his death in 1974.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he was educated at the Rutherford Grammar School and College of Technology. On leaving school he studied part-time while gaining practical experience on the analytical staff of a firm of manufacturing and analytical chemists.

At 28 he had achieved the position of Chief Chemist and had graduated as an external student of London University with a BSc (Special) Honours Degree in Chemistry. His PhD (London) was to follow in 1946. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry (RIC) in 1938 and was awarded the Fellowship in 1947. From 1943 – 45 he was employed by the Ministry of Supply undertaking research on ‘Gassing of Aluminised Explosives’ and ‘Sealing Compounds’.

In 1945 he was appointed Lecturer in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at Leeds College of Technology and two years later to a similar post in Uganda at Makere University College, Kampala. A period of secondment to the Institute of Education, London University and further teaching at Makere was followed by a return to the Rutherford College as a Senior Lecturer.

He moved to the Bristol College of Technology in 1955 where, as Head of a Department of Chemistry and Biology, he showed his ability in administration. Over the following years he played a significant part in the policy and academic decisions which elevated the Bristol College first to a College of Advanced Technology, and later to the University of Bath where he became the first Professor of Chemistry and Head of the School of Chemistry. His return to Bristol in 1969 as Director of the Polytechnic seemed to follow almost naturally.

He entered fully into the professional life of chemists serving on the North East RIC Committee and later at Bristol where he occupied the Chair of the Bristol and West Section. He was elected Member of Council in 1960 and served a two-year period as a Vice-president chairing the Examinations Board and the Publications Committee. He was a founder Governor of the Further Education Staff College at Blagdon and an External Examiner to the new University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

UWE Bristol alumni – quick links

All-singing all-dancing alumni

Alumni Team | 18 October 202430 January 2025

When the Centre for Music (CFM) relocated this year, they found a box of posters and programmes stretching back to 1990s, showcasing a rich history of talent.

Music, theatre and dance can make us laugh and cry, draw us together and give us new perspectives. Over the decades, thousands of alumni and staff have been uplifted and enriched by events staged on campus or in a local performance space.

Memories like these stay with you. Did you love music in your student days? Do you remember a special gig or performance that moved you? Did you bond with fellow performers through a production? Is your show in our image archive?

Here’s a brief history of drama and music here at UWE Bristol, stretching back at least 50 years to Bristol Polytechnic.

1970s

Pre Frenchay campus, lively ‘Bristol Polydrama’ shows were held in the only theatre which was on the Ashley Down site. Rehearsals were usually at the Unity Street site, with creative input from students at Bower Ashton.

Bristol Polydrama’s Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance, May 1975

Bristol Polydrama’s You Never Can Tell, March 1974

1980s

The Centre for Performing Arts (CPA), it operated from E block on Frenchay campus. The CPA helped students from all over the institution and beyond put on theatre productions and concerts as well as organising workshops, and helping people find a room to practice.

Black and white photo of street performers — CPA street theatre troupe, Bristol Polytechnic Handbook 1981 – 1983

1990s

By the 1990s the CPA set up in the vacated Sports Recreation Centre, converting squash courts into rehearsal areas and sweaty changing rooms into practice spaces. The first dance space with full mirror wall was created and the CPA built an impressive collection of orchestral instruments for students to play.

Poster for 'Anything Goes', with casts signatures — Anything Goes poster, signed by cast

1993 – 2018

As part of the celebration of UWE’s new university status, the CPA established a full orchestra, classical choir and musical theatre choir plus smaller groups playing classical and jazz.

Large scale musical theatre productions became a yearly highlight running for several nights at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton. With full sets to build, the CPA set up a workshop on campus building everything, including the monster plant (in several sizes) for Little Shop of Horrors.

The CPA put on classical concerts in the city, started a Big Band and a gospel choir. Every room in the building was furnished with a piano. The CPA grew to be an established and much-loved part of UWE Bristol life for students, staff and the community.

Stage full of performers - Hot Mikado — Hot Mikado 2007

2018

Building on this remarkable legacy, in 2018 the CPA changed its name to Centre for Music. It’s activities were expanded into commercial music, launching a hip-hop festival, battle of the bands and teaching for complete beginners.

A DJ booth and simple recording studio was created and laptops with music software were made available for any student to use, enabling more students and staff than ever to participate.

2024

Overwhelmed by demand, CFM relocated to the beautiful Farmhouse at the heart of Frenchay Campus. It now provides more music spaces and an even bigger dance space.

The Farmhouse, Frenchay Campus — The Farmhouse, new home of the CFM

“CFM cherishes its roots. UWE Orchestra and Big Band are attended by more students than ever. ‘Sing for wellbeing’ sessions added to the gospel and classical choirs, and a brand new UWE Brass Band launches this year, plus a full programme of concerts and workshops each year.”

Kat Branch, Head of CFM

The vision of arts participation for all is still at the heart of the Centre for Music. Check out our Centre for Music webpages (and even take a 360 virtual tour). And alumni are very welcome to be a member.

Black woman conducting singers — Festival of Sound, 2023

CPA Programme archive

CPA Poster archive

UWE Bristol alumni – quick links