Jo Salter, MBE

Doctor of Arts (2022)

Jo Salter, MBEJo Salter, MBE

Jo Salter became the first female fast-jet pilot in the RAF and the first woman to gain combat-ready status. Having been involved in NATO exercises around the world, including supporting the ‘no-fly zone’ over Iraq in the mid-1990s, she went on to become an RAF flight instructor. Today, in addition to leading thousands of air cadets on flights as an Honorary Group Captain, Jo is Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC. Jo continues to draw on her experiences to motivate others as an author and public speaker. In 2022 she was appointed an MBE for services to aviation.

Download Jo's citation (pdf 63 kb)

Stephen Thorne

Honorary Fellowship (2018)

Stephen Thorne Stephen Thorne

Former Head of Planning and Regeneration for the Borough of Poole, Stephen was a key partner in the creation of Bournemouth University’s Estates Development Framework, which is transforming our campuses.

Stephen worked with Bournemouth University on the development of its Estates Development Framework. The process involved working with multiple stakeholders, and marrying the university’s aspirations with the borough’s core strategy. It has led to the construction of the Student Centre and Fusion Building, which have provided students with new spaces in which to learn, work and socialise.

Download Stephen's citation (pdf 22kb)

Professor William Penny CBE

Doctor of Technology (2010)

Professor William Penny is an internationally acclaimed engineer and entrepreneur in the field of measurement and control.

He is best known for his leading role in developing the 'black box' flight recorder, which has contributed immensely to the safety of air travel.

He is co-founder of Penny and Giles, an aerospace and industrial technology company based in Christchurch, UK.

Bernard Roberts

Doctor of Engineering (2009)

Bernard Roberts was the founder and Chief Executive of Marben Engineering Co Ltd, a Ferndown-based company that makes and supplies boiler technology equipment for power stations around the world.

As a leading international specialist in boiler engineering, Bernard’s expertise was much in demand and he played key technical roles in many high profile power-supply projects, many in developing countries.

These led him into extensive charitable work, most notably in Zimbabwe where he organised many relief projects and supported schools, universities, hospitals and churches.

Bernard passed away in 2013.

Ken Stanley

Doctor of Technology (2008)

Ken Stanley has distinguished himself as an inventor and entrepreneur.

He founded BigHead, a Bournemouth-based company which supplies metal fastenings to many industries around the world.

A longstanding BU supporter, he has inspired many students with his ingenuity and enthusiasm for innovative technology, good design and environmental sustainability.