Professor Sir Chris Husbands has held leadership positions in a range of UK universities where he has implemented and led positive changes to the quality of teaching on both a local and international level. In addition to these endeavours, he became Sheffield Hallam's Vice-Chancellor in 2016, and is committed to delivering our institution's vision of becoming the world’s leading applied university.

During his leadership appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Sheffield Hallam has seen an increase in its standing within the sector league tables, and has launched a range of new initiatives which aim to improve social mobility, tackle health inequality, and grow a vibrant economy across the Sheffield City Region. The University’s commitment to ensuring educational opportunities for all also resulted last year in Sheffield Hallam admitting more undergraduates from neighbourhoods across the country with historically low numbers going on to university than any other provider in the UK.

Speaking about his knighthood, Sir Chris said “I am extremely humbled to accept this honour. I’ve had a career beyond the imaginings of my parents and grandparents and that's down to the exceptional people who, at the time, created opportunities for youngsters like me. The higher education I experienced changed my life, and, through that, changed the way my children thought about what was possible for them.” Sir Chris was himself the first in his family to attend university.

Given Sir Chris's passion for, and dedication to Higher Education, Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the Board of Governors at Sheffield Hallam University, added that “This is a richly deserved honour and a proper recognition for his very significant contribution to Higher Education. I am sure that everyone at Hallam will welcome this.”

Also in this year’s honours are Professor Laura Serrant and Professor Sam Twiselton, who received OBEs for their services to health and education respectively.