Leeds Beckett University is congratulating six alumni and a current member of staff who have been recognised in the New Year Honours.
The achievements of the recipients span the fields of sport, finance, community, higher education and inclusion.
Ed Anderson, who graduated in 1972 after studying BSc Economics, has been awarded a CBE for services to the financial sector and public life in Yorkshire. Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director for National Savings and Investments, Ed came to Leeds in 1969 to study at what was then the Leeds College of Commerce which later became Leeds Business School within Leeds Polytechnic. Ed is the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.
Kadeena Cox MBE, who graduated in 2013 with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree, has been awarded an OBE for services to athletics and cycling. She was a sprinter from an early age and entered Paralympic athletics in 2015 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Kadeena was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university for her global sporting excellence in the face of adversity in 2017. Kadeena won two gold medals at Toyko 2020.
Jo Norry, current Director of Library and Student Services at Leeds Beckett, has been awarded an MBE for services to higher education and social inclusion. Jo leads a broad portfolio of services bringing together libraries, student IT support, academic skills, learning technologies, student advice and wellbeing, disability advice, and student money. Having worked in higher education for over 30 years, Jo has been at Leeds Beckett University since 2000 and a governor for the university since 2018.
Jonathan Brownlee, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university in 2019, has been awarded an MBE for services to triathlon. Jonathan won bronze in the Olympic triathlon at London 2012, silver in the Olympics triathlon at Rio 2016 and gold in the triathlon team relay at Tokyo 2020. Since their first Olympic success, Jonathan and his brother Alistair have remained based in Leeds, where they are coached by Ian Mitchell, a performance coach at Leeds Beckett University.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who graduated in 2008 with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree, has been awarded an MBE for services to rugby league and the community in Leeds. Jamie enjoyed a hugely successful career playing for Leeds Rhinos, winning seven grand finals, a challenge cup, three world club challenges and three league leaders shields in over 400 appearances.
Georgia Taylor-Brown, who graduated in 2015 with a BSc Sports and Exercise Science degree, has been awarded an MBE for services to triathlon. Georgia won gold in the mixed relay and silver in the triathlon at Tokyo 2020.
Alex Yee, who graduated in 2021 with a BSc Sports and Exercise Science degree has been awarded an MBE for services to triathlon. Alex won gold in the mixed relay and silver in the triathlon at Tokyo 2020.
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said:
“We are very proud of the achievements of our Leeds Beckett University alumni and of our colleague, Jo Norry. We extend our congratulations to all those who have been honoured.
“Our alumni are part of a community of 190,000 Leeds Beckett University graduates spanning 149 different countries. Our 2,700 staff support 22,000 students every year and help generate an annual return of £1.4 billion to the UK economy.”
