University leader recognised in New Years’ Honours list

​The University of Northampton’s Chief Operating Officer, Terry Neville, was among those recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for 2016, receiving an OBE for his services to Higher Education.

Terry’s OBE celebrates his exceptional career within Higher Education so far.  With over 45 years’ experience in the sector, Terry has worked tirelessly to ensure that universities provide the very best student experience, delivering investment, efficiencies and collaborations with business and commerce.

Speaking about his OBE, Terry said: “To be named in the New Year’s Honours list for 2016 is truly humbling and I am honoured that my work has been acknowledged in this way.

I wholeheartedly believe that universities are a powerhouse of change – educating and inspiring students who will make key decisions regarding their own communities, today and in the future.  Grounding universities in their communities and collaborating with regional stakeholders and business to create opportunities for all seems to me a sensible way of doing things.”

Terry joined the University of Northampton in 2011, bringing a wealth of financial management and investment experience from previous higher education management roles at HEFCE, University of Hertfordshire, University of West London, University of Birmingham and Imperial College.

The development of plans for the University of Northampton’s new Waterside Campus have been led by Terry and are recognised as ‘encouraging real growth and further investment into Northampton, adding top quality education and skills into the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone’s portfolio’.  Creating a modern, vibrant, town centre campus for students and local community use, the Waterside Campus development received landmark support from HM Treasury who, for the first time, guaranteed a University Bond issue as part of the funding mechanism.  The new campus will contain innovative learning spaces and offer opportunities for students to live, work and learn in the heart of Northampton.

Terry led on the creation of the University’s bus Company; UNO Buses Northampton which is now the second largest carrier in Northamptonshire.  The buses operate commercial routes that are developed with centres of learning in mind, creating easy access to the University, local colleges and the two University Technical Colleges at Silverstone and Daventry.  The profits of UNO Buses Northampton are used to fund scholarships at the University.