'A humbling moment'- University of Lancashire’s Vice-Chancellor Graham Baldwin receives an OBE
“Receiving an OBE is a humbling moment” says the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lancashire following huge honour.
A senior official at Preston based University of Lancashire has been named in the latest King’s Honours List.
University of Lancashire Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin DL has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to Higher Education.
Graham’s entire career has been spent working to ensure Higher Education is within reach for people of all backgrounds.
The good news was announced as part of the King’s BirthdayHonours List, which is celebrated on Saturday, June 13.
Professor Baldwin said: “Receiving an OBE is a humbling moment. My whole career in Higher Education has been driven by a desire to remove social and economic barriers, to nurture potential, and to ensure that studying at university is transformational.
“I am deeply grateful to the many colleagues, mentors and my family whose encouragement, collaboration and support throughout my career have made this honour possible, and I accepted this OBE as a reflection of our shared achievements.
“I’m privileged to be in a position where I get to help people better their lives via education and work alongside colleagues who work tirelessly every day to make access and opportunity a reality.
“The University of Lancashire plays a vital role in the regional economy, contributing over £300 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to Lancashire annually. It is actively supporting the advancement of Lancashire’s priority growth sectors, including Cyber and Digital Security, Health and Health Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing.
“Lancashire is proud of its heritage of innovation and industry and I’m delighted to accept this honour whilst leading an institution from the county which in 2028 will celebrate 200 years of offering life-changing opportunities to students from all walks of life.”
In addition to his role at the University of Lancashire, Graham is also Board member of Universities UK, Chair of Lancashire Innovation Board, Chair of the Maritime Skills Commission, Chair of MillionPlus, Chair of the University Vocational Awards Council and Chair of Preston Regeneration Board.
In May 2025, Graham was also appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP.
Jon Baldwin, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Graham. This honour reflects not only his personal dedication to transforming lives through education, but also the values that sit at the heart of our university. His passion for ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all continues to inspire colleagues, students, and partners across Lancashire and beyond.”