Queen of Ska receives top honour from Coventry University

A legend of the Ska and 2 tone music movement is being honoured by Coventry University for her support of Coventry’s music scene.

Lead singer of The Selecter, Pauline Black, will receive an honorary degree next week following a career that has seen her create platinum-selling albums and an award-winning autobiography.

The 63-year-old, originally from Essex, will be presented with an honorary degree, Doctor of Arts, at the award at a graduation ceremony on 23 November.

Pauline will be among 6,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students receiving their degrees across the week, 45 years after she moved to Coventry to study at Lanchester Polytechnic.

In advance of the award ceremony, Pauline said:

I'm really proud of being associated with Coventry, as a city and a university, and was humbled and honour when it was suggested I would receive this degree.

I'm committed to the city, especially the 2021 City of Culture bid and will do all I can to make that happen.

At the age of 63 still being in the business and making it work is great – particularly for women it’s really important that women don’t reach the menopause and go away and knit.

Other honorary doctorates will be awarded across the week to the world’s most successful black man, entrepreneur and founder of one of Africa’s most prosperous companies, Aliko Dangote.

Former CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Europe, Joseph Greenwell, will also return to the city where he launched his automotive career to become an honorary doctor of business.

Nuclear industry boss Alan Coley, Jordanian telecommunications chief Ahmed Hanandeh and Rector and Vice Chancellor of South Africa’s Stellenbosch University, Professor Willem de Villiers will also receive honours.

The ceremonies will take place against the backdrop of Coventry Cathedral.

John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said:

We're delighted to recognise the hard work, dedication and difference these exceptional individuals have made in their chosen fields. They're an inspiration to our students and graduands and it is a pleasure to welcome them to our graduation ceremonies.

Our honorary graduates will join the Coventry community, along with our graduating students who we are proud to pay tribute to for the completion of their studies before they move to the next stage of their lives.

For further press information, please contact Kelly Baker-Adams, Coventry University, on 02477659752 or email kelly.baker-adams@coventry.ac.uk.