Professor proud to receive MBE at Windsor Castle

A professor at the University of Wolverhampton has received an MBE, which was awarded at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Prof Sharon Arkell was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list in June 2025 for her outstanding services to higher education.

The award, which the former nurse was formally presented with last month, acknowledges her leadership and long-standing contributions to health education.

Prof Arkell said it was a very proud moment for her and family, adding: "It's not something that I ever thought I would receive and I'm very grateful to the person who nominated me and recognised my work achievements."

She said none of her achievements would have been possible without the support of the people she had worked with over the years.

The professor has had a 27-year career in higher education, including 20 years with the University of Wolverhampton where she is currently an associate dean.

Her career began in the NHS, and she was the first in her family to go to university, enrolling as a mature student while raising her children.

Her experience as a learner inspired her to widen access to education, the university said, and her work had been pivotal in creating pathways into healthcare careers for students from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.

They added she had made a significant impact nationally through contributions to healthcare policy and regulation, including shaping the university's response during the pandemic, and participating in policy groups focused on healthcare education.

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