THE VICE-CHANCELLOR of Leeds Trinity University, has been awarded an OBE for her services to higher education.

Professor Margaret A House joined Leeds Trinity in January 2013 just as the institution achieved university status and she developed an ambitious five-year plan to increase graduate employability, teaching quality and student satisfaction.

The Horsforth-based institution is one of the top universities in the UK for employability and student satisfaction, and now has 50 PhD students, compare to none in 2014.

Prof House said: "I am honoured and deeply humbled to receive this award. Working in higher education is all about supporting our students, and our students at Leeds Trinity University are inspirational.

"As a University that promotes widening participation, our students can often display a lack of confidence when they arrive. So supporting our students to achieve their best – whatever their best may be – both academically and personally, gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction. To see them leave, full of confidence and ambition, makes me feel proud to have been part of the team that supported them on their journey.

"I have a tremendous team of colleagues and students who all support the ethos of Leeds Trinity to work together in a supportive, community environment. This award is a testament to everyone and all the hard work at Leeds Trinity University."

Ian Burrell, chairman of the university's board of governors, said: "I am delighted that Margaret has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List 2018. Margaret has led on a number of significant developments at the University to improve the campus and its facilities, and has also promoted and encouraged staff, students and community engagement to develop and deliver the strategic plan."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Lloyd added: "Margaret is a passionate visionary and an inspirational leader. She has created a positive and inclusive culture on campus, and I am very proud to work alongside her. I know the whole University will be exceptionally proud of her achievements.”

Professor House is currently Chair of the Cathedrals Group of Universities, Chair of Go Higher West Yorkshire, an Executive Member of GuildHE and a Board Member of the HEFCE Strategic Advisory Committee on Teaching Excellence and Student Opportunities.

Prior to her role at Leeds Trinity, she worked at Middlesex University as Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Dean of Health and Social Sciences and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.