UCEA is delighted to share that our Chair, University of Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah, has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours.
The award recognises Nishan’s inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.
Raj Jethwa, CEO of UCEA, said:
“On behalf of everyone associated with UCEA, I would like to congratulate Professor Canagarajah on this recognition of his achievements.
“This richly deserved honour recognises Professor Canagarajah’s outstanding contribution to our sector education and his tireless commitment to championing inclusion and opportunity.
“Nishan has been a member of the UCEA Board since January 2023, and we were delighted to welcome him as our new Chair in October 2025.
“He has already set out the Board’s commitment to UCEA’s strategic priorities to support employer aspirations to enhance the employee experience, while working collaboratively and constructively with sector partners and trade unions.
“We look forward to his guidance as we move forward, with a continued focus and commitment on supporting our members through the changes and challenges ahead.”
Note:
The University of Leicester’s news release can be found here: https://le.ac.uk/news/2025/december/University-Leicester-Vice-Chancellor-knighted-Kings-New-Year-Honours
ENDS
For further UCEA information please contact Andy Fryer, Head of Communications and Membership (a.fryer@ucea.ac.uk), Marc Whittaker, Public Affairs and Events Manager (m.whittaker@ucea.ac.uk), Armelle Griffin, Communications Officer (a.griffin@ucea.ac.uk), or Ashleigh Rigden, Communications Officer (a.rigden@ucea.ac.uk)
The award recognises Nishan’s inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.
Raj Jethwa, CEO of UCEA, said:
“On behalf of everyone associated with UCEA, I would like to congratulate Professor Canagarajah on this recognition of his achievements.
“This richly deserved honour recognises Professor Canagarajah’s outstanding contribution to our sector education and his tireless commitment to championing inclusion and opportunity.
“Nishan has been a member of the UCEA Board since January 2023, and we were delighted to welcome him as our new Chair in October 2025.
“He has already set out the Board’s commitment to UCEA’s strategic priorities to support employer aspirations to enhance the employee experience, while working collaboratively and constructively with sector partners and trade unions.
“We look forward to his guidance as we move forward, with a continued focus and commitment on supporting our members through the changes and challenges ahead.”
Note:
The University of Leicester’s news release can be found here: https://le.ac.uk/news/2025/december/University-Leicester-Vice-Chancellor-knighted-Kings-New-Year-Honours
ENDS
For further UCEA information please contact Andy Fryer, Head of Communications and Membership (a.fryer@ucea.ac.uk), Marc Whittaker, Public Affairs and Events Manager (m.whittaker@ucea.ac.uk), Armelle Griffin, Communications Officer (a.griffin@ucea.ac.uk), or Ashleigh Rigden, Communications Officer (a.rigden@ucea.ac.uk)
