South: Southampton Solent University vice-chancellor receives CBE

Professor Van Gore, vice-chancellor at Southampton Solent University, was awarded the honour of a Commander of Order of the British Empire (CBE) by HRH Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on March 7. 

Gore received his title for services to higher education. He helped to gain university status for Solent in 2005 and led the institution through its formative years to forge a new and distinctive kind of university.

“It was a great honour to receive my award from Her Majesty," he said, "and a real pleasure to meet the other recipients, two of whom, it turned out, had children who had recently graduated successfully from Solent University.

"I was delighted to receive this award on behalf of everyone at Southampton Solent University. Their creativity, hard work and enthusiasm have played a huge part in the success of our institution.”

The University has become known for its creative approach to the curriculum and, in particular, for its commitment to real-world learning and a special student experience.

Gore has also been instrumental in forging a closer relationship with the city of Southampton, employers and the wider community. He is a member of Southampton Connect - a group of key public, private and voluntary organisation leaders, working collaboratively to further the growth and success of Southampton, and is also actively involved with the Local Economic Partnership for the Solent region.

Always looking at building on the University’s success and investing for the future, Gore is delighted with the progress on what will eventually be a stunning multi-million pound development to transform Solent’s city centre campus. The first phase is already under way and will see the completion of a new £30 million teaching and learning centre in 2015.