Two leading academics from the University of Ulster have received awards in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, becomes a CBE, in recognition of his services to healthcare and the community in Northern Ireland, while Professor Anne Moran, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, becomes an OBE in recognition of her services to higher education in Northern Ireland.

Professor McKenna, who came to the University as a student in 1982, later joined the teaching staff in 1988 as a lecturer. Posts held since include Director of the Nursing Research Centre, Health of the School of Health Sciences and Head of the School of Nursing before taking up his present post as Dean of the largest faculty at Ulster.

He was also Chief Nurse at the Southern Health and Social Services Board, which is based in Armagh.

Professor McKenna said: “I am absolutely delighted by this honour and I accept it on behalf of myself and the University. I realise that the honour is due in large part to the support I receive from those people I work with, both inside and outside the university. Their dedication enables me to carry out my work in healthcare and in the community. I must also pay tribute to my wife, Tricia, and my children for their unswerving support in my duties.”

Professor Moran said: “I am very fortunate and very privileged to have become an OBE. While the award recognizes the individual, I believe that it is very much shared with all those with whom I work, and have worked, in the higher education sector.

“My colleagues at Ulster especially, have given me so many opportunities which have allowed me to make my contribution to higher education and to education in general in Northern Ireland. It goes without saying that a big part of the award belongs to my family, to my husband Mike, daughter Paula and son Michael, whose support and encouragement has been enduring throughout.”

Professor Moran obtained her primary degree, Masters, PhD and Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching at Ulster and her professional affiliations include Member of Universities Council for the Education of Teachers and a Member of National Qualifications Framework in Ireland. She is also a member of Court and Senate at Ulster. She has conducted research into teacher education, inclusive schooling and improving learning and teaching.

Ulster Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, said: “I am delighted that Anne and Hugh have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their generous and selfless contribution to the worlds of education and healthcare.”

The Queen's Birthday Honours List pays tribute to outstanding achievement and service across the entire community.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young