University Professor of Diversity named in New Year Honours list
The University of Bradford's Professor of Diversity, Uduak Archibong, has been listed in the New Year Honours list 2015. Her contributions to higher education and equality during her career were officially recognised when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire on 31 December.
When first joined the University of Bradford, only 1% of nursing students were from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Working with local healthcare providers and other higher education institutions she soon raised this to over 30% ensuring that universities students more accurately reflected the community from which they were drawn and would ultimately serve.
This is just one example of Professor Archibong's commitment to equality and diversity. It is a commitment that now sees her lead an international team of researchers on multiple large-scale research projects on representational diversity and inclusive workplaces. These projects include , a European Union funded 3.2 million Euro project which seeks to ensure equal opportunities for women and men by encouraging a more gender-competent management in research, innovation and scientific decision-making bodies, with a particular focus on universities.
Her success has seen her being called upon throughout the NHS and Higher Education and she has also contributed extensively to the development of health care in developing countries including Pakistan and numerous countries in Africa. She is a Visiting Professor at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa, Visiting Professor at the Central University College in Ghana, Visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria, Fellow of the West African College of Nursing and Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing.
Speaking of her honour Professor Archibong said: "I am thrilled to have received an MBE and be recognised for my work. It is a privilege to work in an institution which is committed to promoting inclusive workplace and study environment."
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: "I am enormously pleased to hear that Professor Archibong has received this honour. As the University of Bradford approaches its 50th year, this honour further demonstrates that Bradford is fiercely committed to making change in society and always has been."
Professor Archibong, whose career began as a general and public health nurse and midwife, was born and raised in Nigeria. While studying she was named best nurse and then best midwife by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and also gained the Outstanding Young Person award for her contribution to health care development in Nigeria in 1990.
Professor Archibong will officially receive her MBE during 2015.