Honorary graduates

2017

Sir Andrew Pulford CBE - Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force

Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of his significant contribution
to the Royal Air Force

Sir Andrew Pulford CBEIn July 2013, Sir Andrew became Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) – the professional head of the Royal Air Force – with the rank of Air Chief Marshal, making him the first helicopter pilot to command the RAF.

Thirty six years previously, Sir Andrew joined the RAF where he initially flew Wessex helicopters on operational tours of Northern Ireland and the South Atlantic.

In 2004, the Queen appointed Sir Andrew a CBE due to his leadership of the United Kingdom’s Chinook force through a period of “unprecedented operational activity” in Afghanistan and Iraq.

During his tenure as Chief, the Air Force remained heavily committed to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria with regular deployments to support NATO and the United Nations. As Chief of Air Staff, Sir Andrew also became mentor to the East Midlands Universities Air Squadron; an organisation of which NTU is a member.

Sir Andrew retired from the RAF in 2016, returning to his native Nottinghamshire with his wife, Nicola, and his family and dogs.