THE University of Worcester’s (UoW) vice chancellor and chief executive has been included in the New Year’s Honours List.

Professor David Green has been appointed a CBE by the Queen in recognition of his services to higher education and the county of Worcestershire.

Since becoming head of the university in 2003, Professor Green is also the only person to have received both the Pride of Worcestershire and Worcestershire Ambassador of the Year awards.

“I am surprised, humbled and delighted to be awarded this national honour,” he said. “In my view, it is very much an award for the whole of the University of Worcester, whose staff, students, graduates and governors do such wonderful work in the city, county and country.

“It is a privilege and a joy to work with such talented and committed people at the university, and alongside so many friends and partners in education, health, business, public service, church and community generally.”

Prof Green went on to thank his wife, Cathy, and daughters, Lauren and Alex, “whose support, inspiration and love has been central to any and every contribution that I have made over these 16 happy years”.

During his tenure, he has overseen the creation of the University of Worcester Arena, Britain’s first major indoor sports arena specially designed for wheelchair athletes, and The Hive, the first completely integrated university and public library in Europe.

Both have been nationally and internationally recognised as shining examples of the outstanding public benefit that a university can bring to society.

The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) placed UoW in the top 10 of universities, which best reflect society earlier this year.

And in the first ever national gender pay reporting in 2018, Worcester was revealed to be the best of all universities in the UK, with the smallest average pay gap of any university, with women represented equally across the Institution from the lowest grades to the top.

In a 2015 report by Economic Insight Ltd the University was identified as a major employer in the region, supporting almost 7,000 jobs either directly or indirectly. Now, thanks to further growth, the figure is estimated at well over £300m a year sustaining more than 7,500 jobs.

John Bateman OBE, the University’s chair of governors, said: “During Professor Green’s 16 years of leadership, UoW has thrived to become one of the most inclusive institutions in the country, providing opportunities to all those with the talent, drive and determination to succeed.

“Professor Green’s vision and values have brought regeneration to the city of Worcester and his energy and passion for education and lifelong learning is unwavering.

“I am absolutely delighted that Professor Green’s outstanding contribution to higher education has been publicly recognised. This national honour is very much deserved.”

Others to have made the honours list, include Samantha Schiaffino, from Powick, a personal assistant director of Corporate Affairs at nPower.

She has been appointed an MBE for her services to Macmillan Cancer.

Louisa Rolfe, from Droitwich, deputy constable for West Midlands Police, was appointed CBE for her services to policing.