Professor Julian Crampton, who served as Vice-Chancellor for 10 years until the end of November, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to higher education.
During his tenure, the university has seen significant growth and development. It now has 21,000 students, supports over 7,000 jobs and generates £700 million per annum for the local, regional and national economies. Professor Crampton has also overseen the developments of Falmer, Hastings, the Huxley Building, and the Cockcroft refurbishment and has been a champion for widening participation.
Professor Crampton said: “I am personally delighted by the award, 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.”
To acknowledge what he calls the “unsung heroes” at the university, Professor Crampton’s parting gift was the creation of new prizes for behind the scenes staff who “go the extra mile”.
John Harley, chairman of the University of Brighton’s Board of Governors, said: “The honour of a CBE recognises Julian's great contribution to education and comes after an outstanding period as Vice-Chancellor of the university."
John Harley, praised Professor Crampton’s achievements, including expanding the university’s campus in the town, investing £100m in halls of residence and teaching and sports facilities and the university’s leading role in the Hastings and St Leonards Academies Trust which 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. Both have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Building on this success, seven primary schools have since joined the Hastings Academies Trust.
John said: “Julian’s vision of what this university can and will achieve is legendary and frankly inspiring. I am delighted that Julian has been acknowledged by his peers as a serious and respected player in the Vice-Chancellor community and that his contribution to higher education has been recognised by the award of a CBE."