Plymouth Marjon University announces honorary graduates for 2026

Released: 09.10.26

Plymouth Marjon University has announced the recipients of its honorary degrees for 2026, recognising five exceptional individuals whose contributions to education, health, community development, social justice and culture have transformed lives and inspired others.

The honorary graduates will be celebrated during the University's autumn graduation ceremonies, joining hundreds of students as they mark their academic achievements.

This year's recipients reflect Plymouth Marjon University's commitment to championing those who lead with compassion, create opportunity for others and make a lasting difference within their communities.

Victoria Pomery OBE

Victoria Pomery OBE is Chief Executive Officer of The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum, gallery and archive.

Since joining The Box in 2021, Victoria has led the organisation through a period of national recognition, culminating in its receipt of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, the UK's most prestigious museum award.

One of the UK's most respected cultural leaders, Victoria's career has spanned organisations including the Mead Gallery, Angel Row Gallery and Tate Liverpool. In 2002, she became the founding Director of Turner Contemporary in Margate, where she oversaw the development of a landmark cultural institution widely credited with contributing to the town's regeneration.

Awarded an OBE for services to the arts in 2012, Victoria has been recognised throughout her career for her vision, leadership and commitment to widening access to culture and creativity.

She will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts, culture and civic life.

Dr Sai Achuthan

Dr Sai Achuthan is a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry and a leading specialist in addiction medicine, neurodevelopmental psychiatry and medical leadership.

Having qualified in medicine in Malaysia before completing consultant training in the United Kingdom, he has built an internationally respected career spanning clinical practice, leadership, education and research.

His expertise in autism and ADHD assessment and treatment has helped thousands of individuals and families, while his leadership roles have supported improvements in professional training and healthcare services across the country. He currently serves as Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists South West Division and has played a key role in national medical education initiatives.

A published author and frequent speaker, Dr Achuthan has received numerous national honours, including Consultant of the Year, Medical Leader of the Year and recognition among the UK's most influential people.

He will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution to mental health, neurodevelopmental care and medical leadership.

Fiona Spicer

Born in the east end of Glasgow, Fiona Spicer is a therapist, community worker and passionate advocate for people who have experienced trauma, addiction, vulnerability and spiritual abuse.

For more than 18 years, Fiona has worked as a community pastor, supporting people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives and helping them discover hope, healing and renewed self-worth. She specialises in supporting those affected by trauma and has a particular passion for working alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community and people who have experienced spiritual abuse.

In 2016, she founded the Greenhouse Community Project, creating a welcoming and inclusive space where people could find support, build relationships and make positive changes in their lives. She later established GreenSpace Hub and Shop, further developing opportunities for connection, growth and belonging.

Community is at the heart of Fiona's work. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, she has dedicated her career to helping people rediscover their value and potential.

She will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding commitment to community development and support for vulnerable people.

Jackie McCartney

Jackie McCartney has spent more than 25 years working as an Ofsted-registered childminder, supporting children and families, including providing emergency placements for looked-after children and assisting families requiring additional care and support.

Drawing on her own experiences of growing up in institutional care, Jackie has become a powerful advocate for care-experienced people, speaking at universities, conferences and national forums about identity, records access and the long-term impact of care.

Her work has included contributions to initiatives with the Information Commissioner's Office, Action for Children and the University College London MIRRA project. She is also one of the original organisers of the Birmingham Christmas Dinner, which supports care-experienced young people who would otherwise spend Christmas alone.

A published poet, Director of Your Life Your Story and Ambassador for the Rees Foundation, Jackie has dedicated her life to ensuring care-experienced voices are heard and valued.

She will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her advocacy, leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced people.

Jennie Walker

Jennie Walker has devoted her professional life to education and educational leadership, beginning her teaching career in 1984 before becoming a primary headteacher and later leading some of the country's earliest academy partnerships and trusts.

By 2019, Jennie was Chief Executive Officer of a multi-academy trust comprising 21 primary schools. Alongside this, she served as an Ofsted Inspector, Local Leader of Education and School Improvement Lead, helping raise standards and opportunities for young people.

Following her retirement from full-time school leadership, Jennie has continued to champion education and equality through Soroptimist International, a global organisation advocating for women and girls. In 2024 she founded Kernow Soroptimists, the first UK Soroptimist club established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Jennie also represented her organisation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and serves as Chair of the Diamond Education Grant, supporting women to access educational opportunities.

She will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her distinguished contribution to education and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls.

Celebrating achievement

Plymouth Marjon University's graduation ceremonies will take place from 26 - 28 October 2026, bringing together graduates, families, friends and partners to celebrate academic achievement and personal success.

The University's honorary graduates join a distinguished group of individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to society and for embodying the values of leadership, service, inclusion and positive social change.