Professor Crampton, Vice-Chancellor for the past 10 years, becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to higher education.
During Professor Crampton’s tenure, the university has seen significant growth and development. The university, one of the most popular in the country for applications, today has more than 21,000 students, it supports over 7,000 jobs and it generates £700 million per annum for the local, regional and national economies.
Lord Mogg, chairman of the University of Brighton Board of Governors, said: “The honour recognises Julian's great contribution to education. I know the entire university community will join me in congratulating him on this recognition that comes after an outstanding period as Vice-Chancellor of this university."
Professor Crampton, who earlier this year announced he will be retiring before February next year, said he was honoured to receive the CBE: “I am personally delighted but I would like to think this is not just about me but a reflection of the hard work by a large number of dedicated people, past and present, who have helped build the University of Brighton into the great institution it is today.”
Under Professor Crampton’s stewardship the University of Brighton has become one of the most popular choices for students wanting a university education, reflecting its distinctive regional footprint, breadth of courses and linkages with professional bodies and industry.
So far this year the university has received well over 31,000 applications – a 20 per cent increase over last year, against a rise of just two per cent for the sector as a whole.
The university’s reputation for undertaking research that makes a difference to society was acknowledged when the recent Research Excellence Framework declared that the impact of 92 per cent of its research was world-leading and internationally excellent.
Professor Crampton’s personal commitment to the role of universities as active participants in the communities has helped transform the educational experience of 60 per cent of 11-16 year olds living in the Hastings area. The Hastings and St Leonards Academies Trust has been highly successful and has been credited with bringing about significant improvements in educational attainment within the area.
The university has been the lead sponsor of two secondary academies in Hastings, developed out of three schools whose performance needed significant improvement. It is three years since they opened, and both academies have now been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Building on this success, seven primary schools have since joined the Hastings Academies Trust.
The university’s leading role with the Trust and the expansion of its campus in Hastings have made significant contributions to the regeneration of the town.