Honorary graduates 2025
Honorary Graduate - Ceremony 1
Professor Janice Kay was the first in her family to go to university, an opportunity that changed her life. She studied Psychology at Newcastle and then completed a PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology at Cambridge, exploring how brain injuries affect language and remediation. Her journey from first-generation student to university leader shows what education can make possible. She began as a researcher on major aphasia projects, then moved into teaching, becoming recognised for her research and passion for student success. At the University of Exeter, she rose through leadership to Provost, guiding academic life and championing innovation in teaching. Having lived in the South West for over 30 years, she has improved opportunities for young people, helping create Exeter Maths School, the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, and the Southwest Institute of Technology, and chairs the national University Maths Schools
Network. In 2017, her contributions to higher education were recognised with a CBE.
Honorary Graduate - Ceremony 2
Gail Wilson has been nursing for 40 years, after completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Nurse Teaching in 1997, she joined the University of Plymouth, becoming Principal Lecturer in 2005 and leading one of the country’s first Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programmes.
Gail later led end-of-life care improvements at University Hospitals Plymouth and in 2011 became Deputy Clinical Director at St Luke’s Hospice. Since 2021 she has been Regional Senior Nurse for Nursing and Midwifery Education, supporting Marjon’s pioneering ASPIRE programme. Gail remains passionate about nursing, education, and patient care in Plymouth.
Honorary Graduate - Ceremony 4
Bernice Mawusi Atubra was born in a farming village in Ghana, the eldest of five children and the only daughter. At a time when education was often reserved for boys, her parents ensured she also received schooling. Initially a midwife, Bernice transitioned into Early Years education, earning her Further Adult Education Teaching Certificate from GlosCAT in Gloucester in 1993. She managed two day nurseries; GlosCAT’s Brunswick Nursery, and Woodford Rascals Nursery in Plymouth where she pioneered wrap-around care. In 2005, she joined Plymouth City Council as Extended Schools Coordinator for childcare. In 2009, Bernice returned to Ghana and, with her husband, co-founded the NGO Henry House International School.
Honorary Graduate: Ceremony 5
Antony Jinman, EdD, is a renowned polar explorer, educator, and advocate for climate awareness. In 2010 he became the twelfth Briton to ski to the Geographic North Pole, and the following year completed a solo expedition to the South Pole. He has led numerous scientific and educational expeditions across the Arctic and Antarctic, sharing his experiences to inspire resilience, leadership, and environmental responsibility. Through his organisation Education Through Expeditions, AJ has connected thousands of young people with the world’s most remote environments, bringing the realities of climate change and exploration into classrooms worldwide. Alongside his expedition achievements, he continues to lecture internationally and
serve as Corporate Expedition Leader for Swan Hellenic, combining adventure with education to empower future generations.
Honorary Graduate - Ceremony 5
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. Jennie served on Marjon's Board of Directors from 2023-2025.
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.