Honorary graduates

2009

Stan Crawford OBE (deceased) - Champion of regeneration and building sustainable communities 

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology in recognition of his leadership in the development of one of the UK’s leading showcase regeneration projects, and for making a substantial difference to the work and life of Nottinghamshire.

Stan Crawford OBEIn 2008 when The Cabinet Office set up the Third Sector Advisory Panel to give ministers guidance on matters involving social enterprises and volunteer and community activities, they invited Stan Crawford to be one of its members.

His appointment reflects his vision, experience and success as Managing Director of the award-winning Sherwood Energy Village. This project substantially echoes the work of the University’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. It turned a former colliery landscape into a new green and thriving place to live, work and find leisure pursuits.

In this and other roles Stan has helped to propel the economic regeneration of his home area of Ollerton and the East midlands in general. A former miner who witnessed the wipe-out of coal mining in Nottinghamshire, he has become a leading force for developing sustainable communities, both in terms of the built environment, and fresh approaches to engage people in the planning and realisation of new ventures.

He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to business.