An Olympic gold medallist, a viral science educator with millions of followers, a pioneering Church of England bishop, and an inspiring community champion are among the remarkable individuals set to receive honorary degrees from the University of Kent during its July 2026 graduation ceremonies.
The awards will be presented during ceremonies at Canterbury Cathedral from Monday 27 to Friday 31 July, celebrating people whose achievements have transformed fields including sport, science, education, law, comedy, social enterprise, disability rights and business.
Monday 27 July
Matt Green, better known as The Rapping Science Teacher, will receive a Doctor of Science. An award-winning science communicator, former Kent biochemistry student and TikTok sensation with almost three million followers, Matt has inspired a new generation of learners through his unique blend of music and science, making complex ideas engaging and accessible.
The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin MBE, Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, will be awarded a Doctor of Divinity in recognition of her exceptional leadership, ministry and influence within the Church. As the first Black woman to become a Church of England bishop, she has been a pioneering figure and an inspiration to communities across the UK.
Fresh from winning Team GB’s skeleton gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Games earlier this year, Matt Weston will receive a Doctor of the University, recognising his outstanding sporting achievement and contribution to British sport.
Tuesday 28 July
Accomplished trial advocate and Head of Chambers since 2013, Bernard Richmond KC will receive a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his distinguished legal career and outstanding contribution to legal education.
Wednesday 29 July
Comedy trio Ben Clark, Matthew Crosby and Tom Parry- who first met while studying at Kent before going on to form the acclaimed Pappy’s Fun Club – will each be awarded a Doctor of Arts, celebrating their enduring contribution to British comedy.
Community champion Maya Amangeldiyeva, founder of Maya’s Community in Canterbury and Herne Bay and the Freeshop movement, will receive a Doctor of Enterprise and Innovation for her transformative work supporting local people through her food bank, charity shop and community initiatives.
Thursday 30 July
Leading sociologist, bioethicist and disability rights expert Professor Tom Shakespeare CBE FBA will be awarded a Doctor of the University in recognition of his internationally recognised contributions to research, policy and advocacy.
Entrepreneur Moni Varma, founder of Veetee Rice, will receive a Doctor of Enterprise and Innovation. Having arrived in Britain from Malawi in 1982 with a vision to transform the quality and accessibility of rice in the UK, he has become a pioneering figure in food innovation and business.
The honorary graduates will join thousands of students celebrating their own academic achievements during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies. Proceedings begin at Rochester Cathedral on Thursday 23 July, before moving to Canterbury Cathedral from Monday 27 to Friday 31 July.