UoG awards Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy to Karen Morgan OBE DL

Karen Morgan OBE DL has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Gloucestershire in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the University and the county, and her career in senior posts within major organisation and charities.

In a career spanning more than 40 years, Karen has experience working in the chemical industry, education, water and the environment, international development, scientific research and development, financial services and social services.

Karen has strong links across the higher education sector, having served as Chair and Pro-Chancellor at the University of the West of England, Vice-Chair of the Royal Agricultural University, and as a long serving member of the University of Gloucestershire Council, Vice-Chair of Council, Chair of the Remuneration and HR Committee, and her considerable contribution to the area of sustainability across the University as Council Champion for Sustainability.

She received the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University at the first of its six 2024 Graduation Ceremonies at Cheltenham Racecourse, where she encouraged graduates and students to 'look ahead, be brave, be kind.'

Karen said: "I am delighted to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Gloucestershire, which I admire enormously.

"I am passionate about making a difference, particularly in respect of the environment and disadvantaged people."

Karen has served on the boards of the National Rivers Authority, the Environment Agency, and Wessex Water, and was a member of the Natural Environment Research Council, Vice-Chair of WaterAid, and Chair of the Converging World.

Her present interests include several charitable and community interests in Gloucestershire, where she is Chair of Trustees of The Door, a trustee of Caring for Communities and People, a trustee of Friends of the Cotswolds, and patron of Ruskin Mill Trust.

She is a founder member of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, where she serves on the Community Support Group and the Charitable Trust. She is also a member of The Society of Merchant Venturers, Bristol.

Karen received an OBE in 1999 for services to the Protection of the Water Environment. She was also awarded the degree of Doctor of Education (honoris causa) by the University of the West of England in 2004 and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2007.

Image: left to right, Dame Clare Marchant, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, with Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy recipient Karen Morgan OBE DL