North East stars among leaders honoured by Northumbria University

Northumbria University is awarding honorary degrees to 14 distinguished individuals at its summer graduation ceremonies, in recognition of their outstanding achievements across the worlds of screen and stage, sport, science, business, law and the creative arts.

Jill Halfpenny, the award-winning actress and Sunday Times bestselling author, will receive the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her contribution to British television and theatre, and her courage in sharing her personal story to help others.

Born and raised in Gateshead, Jill made her first mark on screen at fourteen, joining the cast of the iconic Newcastle children’s drama Byker Grove. Over more than three decades she has become a mainstay of British television and theatre, winning an Olivier Award for her West End stage appearance in Legally Blonde and lifting the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball. Now living back in the North East, she continues to champion the region’s emerging creative talent.

Cricketer Mark Wood is being awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of Science. One of England’s most recognised and record-breaking fast bowlers, Mark has claimed two of the sport’s most prestigious honours: the Ashes and the Cricket World Cup.

His achievements are all the more remarkable given the multiple serious injuries he has overcome, returning each time with the same tenacity that has defined him. Yet he has never forgotten his roots, remaining a dedicated presence at Ashington Cricket Club, where he coaches and supports junior players coming through the ranks.

Peter Straughan, the Gateshead-born, Academy Award-winning screenwriter behind Conclave and the Wolf Hall TV adaptations, and a committed champion of the creative arts in the North East, will receive the award of Honorary Doctor of Letters.

Honours will also be awarded to a further 11 inspirational figures, many of whom studied at Northumbria, or who have a strong connection to the region.

• Juliet de Baubigny OBE, a Northumbria graduate and now Partner and Co-Head of Global Technology at BDT & MSD Partners, Juliet is a leading venture capital investor in companies including Airbnb, Google, Spotify, Stripe and Uber. Juliet will receive the degree of Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Dr Rachel Carr OBE is the Chief Executive and Co-Founder of education charity IntoUniversity, who has dismantled barriers to higher education for tens of thousands of young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Northumbria works in partnership with IntoUniversity on two centres in Newcastle and Gateshead. Rachel will receive the degree of Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Michael Chaplin, a writer for theatre, radio, television and non-fiction whose work across five decades has given voice to the people, stories and landscapes of the North East. He has served on the boards of Live Theatre, New Writing North and the Tyneside Cinema and will receive the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters.

• Paul Chipperton, who studied Applied Chemistry at Northumbria is now a life science entrepreneur whose leadership in medical technology has brought life-saving innovations from the laboratory to the bedside. Paul will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science.

• Linda Conlon MBE DL, Chief Executive of the Centre for Life and one of the most respected figures in global science communication, is recognised for her extraordinary contribution to science, public engagement and the North East. Linda will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science.

• Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway co-founded a business which became iamproperty shortly after graduating from Northumbria, with support from the University. The Newcastle-head-quartered company’s pioneering technology has transformed the property market and championed the North East tech sector. Jamie and Ben will each receive the Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Su Cumming has been a pioneering force in North East sport for over four decades. She co-founded the national charity StreetGames and led Newcastle United Women's rise through the leagues to full-time professional status. Su graduated from Northumbria in 1998 and returns to receive the Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Chris K Jones is an entrepreneur turned award-winning novelist and screenwriter whose long association with Northumbria has seen him fund scholarships in creative writing and for entrepreneurs. His generosity has supported students at the University for over six years. Chris will receive the Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Claire Lynch studied fashion and textiles at Northumbria before becoming an accomplished costume designer best known for her work on the BBC’s much-loved drama Call the Midwife. Clare will receive the Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

• Louise Pentland, now Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President at Adobe, Louise’s career from studying law on the Northumbria campus to the global stage has made her a powerful advocate for diversity and for supporting the most vulnerable in society. Louise will receive the Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University said: “Honorary degrees recognise the very best of what people can achieve, and this year's recipients embody that in every sense - outstanding individuals, innovators and trailblazers who have reached the highest levels of their fields.

“What makes this moment even more special is how many of them started right here at Northumbria. To see former students return as honorary graduates, having taken the North East's name onto the world stage, is a powerful reminder to our Class of 2026 of just how far their own journeys could take them.”

Speaking about receiving her honorary degree, Jill Halfpenny said: “I was absolutely thrilled to find out that I had been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Northumbria University and was delighted that my friends and family were able to see me collect it in person. Growing up in Gateshead and still living in the North East, to receive this degree from a local University was an honour and I’ll be proudly displaying the certificate pride of place!”

Mark Wood added: “I was absolutely delighted to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Science from Northumbria University. It was a real privilege to be recognised by a university so close to home, and it meant a great deal to me personally given my roots in the North East.

“Cricket has given me incredible opportunities, but to be honoured in this way, alongside so many inspiring individuals, was truly special. I felt very proud to represent my community and hopefully inspire the next generation coming through.”

The honorary degrees will be awarded during Northumbria’s summer academic congregations, which run from 8-15 July. Approximately 5,500 students will be attending the summer graduation ceremonies as part of the Class of 2026.