Honorary graduates

Honorary graduates

The University of Kent confers honorary degrees on distinguished individuals from many walks of life who have made a significant contribution to society. Honorary graduates are selected from nominations by members of the University and very often have links with departments or are University of Kent alumni.

July 2023 honorary graduates

Chi-chi accepting her award from Chancellor Gavin Esler Professor Anthony Lilley OBE speaking at a lectern Josephine James OBE speaking at the lectern David Gower OBE speaking at the lectern Her Honour Adele Williams DL giving a speech at the lectern Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE giving a speech to students Mike Wilkins MBE giving a speech to students Lawrence McGinty speaking to students Professor Christine Orengo giving a speech to students Josie Long giving a speech to students Hamish Fulton standing in the Lodge gardens Members of Pussy Riot outside Canterbury cathedral

Archive of honorary graduates

The University of Kent's first honorary degree was conferred on Her Royal Highness, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent in 1966. Our first honorary degrees presented to a married couple in the same ceremony were to Mavis and Ray Nye, at a ceremony in Rochester Cathedral in July 2019. To see who else has been conferred an honorary degree, visit our searchable archive. 

View the archive