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Coventry University honours former Chancellor Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
Former Chancellor Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
University news
Monday 21 July 2025
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Coventry University’s first female chancellor says her Honorary Doctorate of Arts, awarded today, will “forever seal the bond between us”.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE stepped down in 2024 after seven years of service but returned, not to lead graduation from the podium she once graced, but to receive her own honour, joining graduates in celebration at Coventry Cathedral.
To be granted this award is a huge honour.
Standing on stage, facing the old Cathedral and the graduands, I always felt we were anchored by the past but looking toward the future. To now be honoured in this way, well into my career, feels deeply affirming.
Even at my age, I feel I can and should continue contributing where I can. I’ve always believed that the key is building on each person’s potential to shape the future.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
The Honorary Doctorate recognises her profound impact on education, her commitment to promoting diversity, her contributions to the arts, and her extensive charity work.
Margaret spent decades as a lawyer, was Director of Legal Services at John Lewis Partnership, and previously held roles on the boards of the Co-op Group and Shakespeare’s Globe. She now joins the Department for Education Board, where she hopes to advance equity and opportunity.
Education is the golden key to everything. It not only opens doors but it facilitates peace. The fewer opportunities people have, the more frustrations can rise. That's why learning must be accessible, valued and shared.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
Among the milestones she’s proudest of during her tenure are the university’s Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
But her greatest fulfilment came from working with young people.
During her time at the university she established the Gallery of Living History Schools’ Competition with actor Andy Serkis, inspiring students to uncover stories of unsung heroes.
The initiative, created in response to George Floyd’s murder in America, led to a powerful public artwork by Sidney Stringer Academy pupils - a ‘Tree of Hands’ sculpture celebrating peace, equality, unity and acceptance.
Margaret sees these moments as central to her legacy.
I wanted young people to feel that their voices and contributions mattered as much as the unsung heroes they were researching. When Andy joined our workshops, you could see their eyes light up. Their sculpture honoured those who helped shape Coventry - and they truly got it. That kind of experience can be transformative.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
Her parting advice to graduates and aspiring students is simple - become changemakers.
I always hope that each graduate recognises the part their parents, carers and tutors played. We never achieve greatness alone.
Find something that excites you, even if it doesn’t make you rich. Give it value and find how it can serve society too. That’s where real meaning lives.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
Inspired to launch a career in the arts? Find out more about Coventry University’s College of the Arts and Society.
