Alison Johns appointed OBE for services to higher education
Advance HE is delighted to celebrate the recognition of its founding Chief Executive, Alison Johns, who has been appointed OBE in The King’s Birthday Honours for services to higher education.
Alison led Advance HE from its formation in 2017 until her retirement in June 2025, having dedicated 34 years to higher education. During her tenure, she oversaw significant growth in the organisation’s membership, fellowship community and international reach, championing teaching excellence, inclusive leadership and governance effectiveness across the sector.
Professor Mark E. Smith, Chair of Advance HE’s Board, and the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said, “Many congratulations to Alison for the award of an OBE in recognition of her numerous significant contributions to Higher Education over an extended period.
“As the Chair of Advance HE, I particularly reflect on how Alison grasped the challenge from the Bell Review of merging three sector bodies to form our organisation. This has proved a really positive move for the sector and Alison, as our founding Chief Executive, played a pivotal role in making it a success.”
Colleagues past and present at Advance HE have joined in congratulating Alison on this well-deserved honour, reflecting both the breadth and depth of her contribution to higher education in the UK and around the world.
