Keele College of Fellows

Cllr Philip Atkins CBE

Local farmer and former leader of Staffordshire County Council

Philip Atkins, OBE, is a seasoned British Conservative politician and farmer based in Rocester, Staffordshire. Philip was Leader of Staffordshire County Council for 11 years and County Councillor for Uttoxeter Rural for 38 years. He was also an East Staffordshire Borough Councillor from 2003-2011, serving as a Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Leisure.  

During this time Philip was Chairman of West Midlands Councils, Vice Chairman of the County Council Network and active in the Local Government Association. During his leadership, he played a pivotal role in regional economic initiatives - most notably supporting JCB’s presence, enhancing infrastructure, and reshaping local government services.

In recognition of his three decades of local government service, he received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2016. Alongside his political career, Philip continues to farm the family’s Rocester land, contributes to community organisations such as parish councils and farmers’ markets, and remains engaged as Chairman of East Staffordshire Conservatives since June 2025.

Dr Gaye Blake Roberts MBE, FMA, FRSA

Chair of Keele University College of Fellows; Former curator of the Wedgwood Museum; Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2010)

Dr. Gaye Blake‑Roberts MBE is a distinguished British heritage leader and curator. Gaye is the Chair of the College Fellows and Chair of the Raven Mason Collection at Keele.

She served as Director and Curator of the Wedgwood Museum -now the V&A collection at World of Wedgwood - for nearly 40 years, steering its rescue and transformation. A champion for industrial and cultural heritage, she also played pivotal roles in establishing the Coalport China Works Museum and serves as Vice‑President of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, where she chairs its Collections & Learning Committee.

Her services earned her an MBE in 2020 for contributions to heritage.

Mr Jonty Bloom

Journalist and broadcaster; Alumnus of Keele University, (International Relations, Class of 1986)

Jonty is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, public speaker and conference chair who left the BBC in 2019 after thirty years at the corporation.

Jonty is a three-time Wincott Prize winner and Royal Statistical Society "Journalist of the Year". In recent years, he has reported extensively on the UK–EU relationship, Brexit, trade and economics, and frequently works as a public speaker, panel chair, and media consultant.

Mr Jack Bowman

Entrepreneur; Alumnus of Keele University (International History and International Relations, Class of 2008)

Jack is a Keele alumnus and innovative entrepreneur in health-tech. He's a serial founder - having launched and exited three ventures focused on digital healthcare globally - and has deep experience in start-ups, incubation, and navigating international markets.

Following his own success, Jack uses his experience to help other young graduates.

Currently director at MICARD Industries, Jack continues to drive innovation in medical technology.

Ms Emma Bridgewater CBE

Chair of Emma Bridgewater Ceramics
Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2012)

Mrs Sinéad Butters MBE

Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing; Alumna of Keele University (History & Politics, Class of 1988); Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2018) 

Sinéad has been leading Aspire Housing as Chief Executive since 2006.

Sinéad grew up in Staffordshire and studied at Keele. In addition to her role at Aspire, Sinéad is Chair of Black Country Housing Group and a Non-Executive Director at Goram Homes. She also served as Chair of the national housing network, PlaceShapers, for five years.

Sinéad has been recognised with an MBE for her services to housing, as well as two honorary doctorates for her commitment to supporting communities. She continues to be a strong voice for change, championing community-based solutions to the housing crisis.

Ms Karen Dobson OBE

Former Principal and Chief Executive, Newcastle and Stafford College Group

Karen began her career in the public sector with the NHS as a Nurse, Ward Manager and Health Visitor before moving into further education as a Lecturer in Health and Social Care. She joined Newcastle College in 2002 as Director of Curriculum and Strategy and in August 2004 was promoted to the post of Principal. 

  Karen was Principal of Newcastle College for 14 years, before spearheading the merger between Newcastle College and Stafford College in 2016.  

As Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Karen was instrumental in establishing the newly formed Group as one of the top performing colleges in the West Midlands and one of the most successful merged colleges nationally.

Karen was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List 2019, for her services to further education. She retired in 2022. 

Sir Ian Dudson KSVO CBE

HM Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire
Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2013); Former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Keele University Council

Sir Ian James Dudson KCVO CBE is an English industrialist, chief executive and later non-executive chairman of the ceramics company Dudson in Stoke-on-Trent. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012 to 2025.

He was Pro-Chancellor of Keele University and Chair of Council from 2005 to 2012.

Among many other titles Ian holds he is Chairman of Trustees of The Dudson Centre, a resource for voluntary groups; Honorary President of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice; Lichfield Cathedral Council member; and President of Scouting Staffordshire.

He was appointed CBE in 2002, for services to the ceramic industry, and was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2025 New Year Honours.

Mrs Ann Fisher

Former High Sheriff of Staffordshire;
Company Secretary, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce;
Former Deputy Pro-Chancellor of Keele University 

Ann Fisher is Partner at Hatchers Solicitors LLP in Shrewsbury, where she specialises in corporate and commercial law. She took up the position of Company Secretary at Shropshire Chamber of Commerce in December 2013.

Ann studied law at Staffordshire University and the College of Law in Chester, and went on to specialise in corporate and commercial law.

She acts for a wide range of not-for-profit organisations, including charities, schools and societies, advising on constitution, company secretarial and commercial contracts.

Professor Dr Asma Ismail PhD

Vice Chancellor and CEO of IMU University

Dr. Asma Ismail is a renowned Malaysian academic and molecular biologist, holding the honorary title Emerita Datuk.

She made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of both Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and currently serves as Vice-Chancellor and CEO of IMU University (since August 2024).

A pioneer in higher education and science policy, Dr. Asma was Malaysia’s first female Director-General of Higher Education, President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Chairperson of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, and National Science Advisor to the Prime Minister. She is also a member of several prestigious scientific academies worldwide.

Beyond academia, she chairs Malaysia’s Planetary Health Action Plan, advises on national education policy, and continues to champion innovation and leadership in science.

Mr Mike O'Connor CBE, BSc, MSc

Former Chief Executive of StepChange

Mike has had a varied career and held numerous CEO and senior leadership posts in both the public and voluntary sectors.

His voluntary sector roles included StepChange, the UK’s largest debt advice organisation; Consumer Focus, an organisation that helped consumers get a fair deal, the Olympic Lottery Distributor and the Millennium Commission where Mike was responsible for a £4 billion investment programme covering major public infrastructure projects.

Mike was also Director for Developed Economies at Consumers International, an international federation of consumer bodies, which campaigns for consumers’ rights across the world.

Mike is currently Vice Chair of the London Irish Centre Charity, and a Trustee of Asthma+Lung UK.

He was awarded a CBE for public service in 2000.

Mr Malcolm Peckham DUniv, JP, BA, Cert Ed

Former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Keele University Council; Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2015)

Malcolm Peckham is an experienced education leader and trustee with a distinguished career spanning governance, community service, and higher education. He currently serves as Chair of Trustees at the London School of Theology and has held senior roles including Chair of Keele University Council, Pro‑Chancellor of Keele University and Director of Education for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. A committed volunteer, Malcolm has served as a magistrate for over two decades and led numerous charitable and educational boards, reflecting his lifelong dedication to learning and public service.

Mr Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE

Local Businessman and Entrepreneur; Former member of Keele University Council

Pritpal Singh Nagi is a Staffordshire-based entrepreneur and property developer, serving as Chairman of P & R Properties and Director of Passion of India Ltd. He previously held a leadership role as Director of Keele University Science & Business Park Ltd., supporting regional innovation and growth. Alongside his business ventures, Pritpal is deeply committed to charitable work, actively supporting youth and military causes through the Staffordshire Army Cadet Force Friends Trust and his role as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, where he champions community engagement and Armed Forces initiatives.

He was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to Business and charity in Staffordshire.

Mr Philip Soar

Executive Chairman and entreprenuer; Keele University Alumnus (History and Sociology and Social Anthropology, Class of 1969); Former member of Keele University Council 

A successful entrepreneur and publisher, Phil has held CEO roles at major media companies and co-founded CloserStill Group, a leading global exhibition organiser. He also served as Chairman and CEO of Nottingham Forest FC. A noted football historian, Phil has authored several acclaimed books, including The Encyclopaedia of British Football. His generosity established the Philip Soar Scholarship, supporting Keele undergraduates each year.

Chancellor of Staffordshire University; Honorary Doctor of Keele University (2005); Former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Keele University Council 

Francis Fitzherbert, 15th Baron Stafford, is a British landowner, educator, and former business leader who inherited the historic Stafford barony in the 1980s.

His career spans industry, education, and charitable work, reflecting a deep commitment to both economic and social development.

In 1987, Francis became a director of Tarmac Industrial Products, a subsidiary of the Tarmac Group, where he contributed to the building materials and construction sector.

From 1993 to 2003, he served as Pro-Chancellor of Keele University, playing a key role in governance and ceremonial duties.

Passionate about rural education, Francis chaired Countryside Learning, a charity dedicated to connecting young people with the countryside through school programs and outdoor activities. His work highlights a lifelong interest in land management and educational outreach, bridging traditional heritage with modern learning.

Ms Joan Walley

Former Labour MP for Stoke (1987-2015)

Joan was a British Labour Party politician, who served as Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North from the 1987 general election until 2015, during which time she chaired the Environmental Audit Committee (2010–2015) and was a shadow spokesperson for Environment and Transport in the early 1990s.

Joan, who is current Patron of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, is a passionate environmentalist, Honorary Freeman of Stoke-on-Trent, and Freeman of Kidsgrove.

Former Chair of the Care Quality Commission; Honorary Doctor of Letters (2009); Former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Keele University Council; Keele University Alumna (Sociology and Social Studies, Class of 

Jo is a distinguished British administrator and social worker with a career dedicated to improving social care and services for people with learning disabilities. Beginning her career with Cheshire Social Services in the 1980s, she rose to become Director of Social Services in both Wigan and Cheshire.

In 2005, Jo was appointed Chief Executive of Mencap, leading the organisation until 2008. She later chaired the Care Quality Commission from 2010 to 2012, overseeing regulation and quality standards in health and social care. Her leadership has been widely recognised, and she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2007 New Year Honours for services to people with learning disabilities.

Jo currently served as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at Keele University and currently chairs Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Ms Sara Williams OBE

Global Campaigns Manager for Social Value International; Non-executive Director for British Chambers of Commerce; Trustee of The Clay Foundation; Trustee and Board Member of UnLtd: The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs

Sara served as Chief Executive of North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce from 2011 until her retirement in 2023, during which she transformed the organisation into the influential Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce group.

A passionate advocate for business-led economic development, Sara worked tirelessly to make Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire a thriving hub of opportunity.

Before joining Staffordshire Chambers, Sara was Director of Enterprise at St Helens Chamber, leading initiatives to foster an entrepreneurial culture from schools to established businesses. Her commitment to supporting growth stems from her own experience running a small arts consultancy and her entrepreneurial family background.

Sara's career spans marketing, community development, and cultural heritage, having originally trained as a museum curator after earning a degree in Medieval History from University College London. She has held governance roles at Liverpool John Moores University and Staffordshire University and served as a non-executive director at the New Vic Theatre. 

She received an OBE for services to the community in Staffordshire in the King's New Year Honours list in December 2022.

Dame Fiona Woolf CBE

An Alderman in the City of London; Past President of the Law Society of England and Wales; Alumna of Keele University (Law & Psychology, Class of 1970); Honorary Doctor of Laws (July 2018)

Dame Fiona Woolf DBE enjoyed a distinguished career as an energy lawyer with CMS Cameron McKenna, specialising in electricity industry reforms before retiring in 2019.

She served as the 686th Lord Mayor of London in 2013/14, becoming only the second woman to hold the role since 1189.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Fiona launched the Power of Diversity programme - later evolving into The Power of Inclusion - and continues to promote equality across sectors. Her commitment to sustainability was reflected in her Tomorrow's City initiative, aimed at fostering a more resilient and sustainable economy.

Recognised for her contributions to the legal profession, diversity, and the City of London, Dame Fiona was awarded a DBE in the 2015 New Year Honours. She later became a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London in 2016 and retired as an Alderman in 2018. Her legacy combines legal expertise, civic leadership, and a lifelong dedication to inclusion and sustainability. 

Mrs Manali Lukha

Head of ITV Millbank Studios; Alumna of Keele University (Geography & Geology, Class of 1996); Former member of Keele University Council

Manali is a leading British meteorologist and broadcaster, best known as Head of ITV Weather and Head of Millbank Studios in Westminster. In these roles, she oversees ITV’s national and regional weather services and manages political broadcasting operations, while occasionally presenting weather bulletins on ITV News.

Manali graduated from Keele in 1996 with a degree in Geography and Geology, followed by a masters in Information Technology. She began her career at the Met Office as a graduate trainee forecaster, where she spent over a decade developing expertise in meteorology before joining ITV in 2014. Her leadership integrates accurate forecasting with news coverage at the heart of UK politics.

A council member of the Royal Meteorological Society, Manali advocates for climate communication and sustainability through initiatives such as Climate Ambassadors and Changemakers 2025.