Notable alumni and key partner to be awarded honorary fellowships
Two notable LJMU alumni and one of our key partners are to be honoured with the university’s highest award this spring.
Rachael Hennigan OBE, Phil Kenyon and Andrea Nixon MBE will be recognised with honorary fellowships, in acknowledgement of their outstanding professional achievements and their status as role models for students and staff.
They will receive their awards during LJMU’s spring graduation ceremonies at Liverpool Cathedral in April.
It’s really important that we recognise the achievements of people who have already made a difference in their professional lives and who will continue to be role models for us all.
Professor Mark Power, LJMU Vice-Chancellor
Introducing our new fellows
Rachael Hennigan OBE
Rachael has been the Principal and Chief Executive at Hugh Baird College since 2020. A graduate from LJMU, she gained her A levels at Hugh Baird before studying at our IM Marsh campus, graduating with a degree in Physical Education Sport and Dance in 2002.
She is incredibly student focused, ensuring that young people and adults from Merseyside can gain better skills which will enable them to seek out better lives. She was awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List for her contribution to education.
Rachael is being awarded a fellowship in recognition of her ongoing commitment to LJMU and for her outstanding leadership in education.
Phil Kenyon
One of the world’s leading golf coaches, Phil Kenyon is a double LJMU alum, having completed a BSc in Psychology and Sport (1994–1997) followed by an MSc in Sport Science (1997–1999).
Since then, he has gone on to become internationally recognised for his work at the very highest level of the professional game. Over more than two decades working with players on the elite tours, Phil’s coaching has contributed to numerous successes on the PGA and European Tours, with his students collecting eight major championship victories and two Olympic gold medals.
He will be recognised for his international standing, combined with his local commitment, making him an exceptional fellow of the university.
Andrea Nixon MBE
Andrea has been working in partnership with LJMU in a number of roles for over 20 years.
Recently appointed Chair of National Museums Liverpool, Andrea led Tate Liverpool through major transformation and sealed its presence as the key visitor attraction through the city’s Capital of Culture Year in 2008. She was instrumental in developing a pioneering partnership with LJMU which resulted in embedded posts crossing the two organisations, co-curated exhibitions and opening the gallery experience to thousands of students.
She then went on to become Chair of the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for her service to the arts. She is being recognised by LJMU for her outstanding contributions to the arts and cultural industries in the region.
"Role models for us all"
Professor Mark Power, LJMU Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am delighted that our graduating class of 2026 will be joined by three exceptional individuals who will join the university fellowship.
“It’s really important that we recognise the achievements of people who have already made a difference in their professional lives and who will continue to be role models for us all.
“I am particularly proud that we will be welcoming back two alumni who have made such an impact since graduating from LJMU and who continue to be superb ambassadors for the university.”
