Honorary degrees awarded to those who've made 'outstanding contribution to the South West'
Former Devon Air Ambulance CEO, Polar explorer and mother-daughter education pioneers among those honoured
Plymouth Marjon University will this week award honorary degrees to outstanding contributors to education, culture, enterprise, and society in the South West
Honorary degrees are given to nominated people who have made an impact in their fields of expertise in the region and in recent years have included former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo, Mercury Prize nominee folk singer Seth Lakeman, celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE, and Olympic medallist diver Tom Daley OBE.
Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth Marjon University, said: "These honorary graduates have transformed individual lives and communities not only across the South West, but globally. Their dedication reflects Plymouth Marjon University’s mission to tackle inequity through education, research, and opportunity. Graduation days are always a highlight, and I look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements alongside our students."
The list includes
Heléna Holt (Master of Business Administration) – Plymouth-born Heléna led Devon Air Ambulance as CEO from 2007 to 2025, overseeing new aircraft, introducing night operations, and achieving at Outstanding CQC rating in 2022. With more than three decades in youth, mental health, and community services, she has been recognised for her innovation and leadership.
Antony Jinman Ed.D (Master of Coaching and Leadership) – A polar explorer and climate advocate, in 2010 Antony became the 12th Briton to ski to the Geographic North Pole, and the following year completed a solo expedition to the South Pole. Born in Wembury near Plymouth, he’s led scientific and educational expeditions across the Arctic and Antarctic. His organisation Education Through Expeditions has helped thousands of young people understand climate awareness, leadership, and resilience.
Janice Kay CBE (Master of Business Administration) – Former Provost of Exeter University, Janice has spent over 30 years championing education in the South West. She helped establish the Exeter Maths School, the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, and the Southwest Institute of Technology, and now chairs the national University Maths Schools Network and runs Higher Futures which supports universities and sector bodies.
Bernice Mawusi Atubra & Akofa Wallace (Master’s in Education) – This mother-daughter duo pioneered early years education in Plymouth and now run Henry’s House Community School in Ghana. Bernice introduced wrap-around childcare and advised schools across the city during her time as manager of Woodford Rascals Nursery. Akofa, a Marjon alumna in PR and Media Studies, started her career in PR and is now CEO of Henry House which offers a third of places to students on scholarship and 60% of scholarship places to girls.  
Gail Wilson (Master of Health) – With 40 years in nursing, Gail is NHS Regional Senior Nurse for Nursing and Midwifery Education in the South West. In 1992 she trained as a Health Visitor, and in 1997, after completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Nurse Teaching joined the University of Plymouth and became Principal Lecturer in 2005. She helped develop Marjon’s ASPIRE nursing programme, opening the profession to a more diverse range of students, led improvements in end-of-life care at University Hospitals Plymouth, and served as Deputy Director for St Luke’s Hospice.