Honorary graduates

2018

Air Marshal Sir Barry "Baz" North - NTU alumnus and Senior Royal Air Force Officer

Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of the vital role he has played in leadership within Her Majesty’s Armed Forces to ensure the safety and security of UK citizens, and in delivering emergency humanitarian aid.

Air Marshal Sir Baz North

Upon graduating from Trent Polytechnic in 1981, Air Marshal Sir Baz North joined the RAF and became a helicopter pilot. He flew operational tours all over the world, and within fifteen years had commanded a succession of squadrons. This culminated in his leadership of Operation Barwood – the UK’s flood relief efforts in Mozambique in 2000. 

In 2006, Baz became the first Air Officer Commanding of the new No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group, and commanded all UK air operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was subsequently appointed to the Air Force Board, where he served for seven years before achieving the rank of Air Marshal in 2013.

Since retiring in 2016, Baz has advised the House of Commons Defence Select Committee and held a range of voluntary roles. He was named NTU Alumnus of the Year in 2011, and is also a member of the Nottingham Business School Advisory Board.