Celebrating academic success at Teesside University

A prominent business leader, an eminent biomedical engineering academic and a retired senior circuit judge will be honoured alongside thousands of graduates during Teesside University’s graduation ceremonies later this month.

Honorary doctorates will be bestowed on Alastair MacColl, Professor Tony Unsworth and His Honour Judge Leslie Spittle during what will be the University’s first ceremonies in almost three years.

They will join over 3,000 Teesside University graduates celebrating academic achievement during thirteen ceremonies taking place on campus, from 25 to 29 April, to mark the success of students who were due to graduate in 2020 and 2021, but were unable to due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

Along with 2020 graduates, the University will also welcome back 2021 graduates from the School of Arts & Creative Industries; School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies; and School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law.

They will receive their awards from Teesside University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney OBE. Professor Croney OBE said: “I am delighted that we are able to congratulate our graduating students and celebrate their achievements in a way in which they deserve. “These students have excelled during particularly challenging times and prolonged periods of uncertainty. Graduation has always been the highlight of the academic year and I am proud of each and every one of our students who will be crossing the stage and who have demonstrated incredible commitment, determination and dedication. “I am also pleased that the University is awarding honorary doctorates to three exceptional people who have achieved great success during their own careers and have been long-standing friends and supporters of the University. I hope that their stories continue to inspire our graduates as they set out to achieve their ambitions.”

Alastair MacColl – Doctor of Business Administration Monday 25 April, 4pm ceremony Alastair MacColl, who receives a Doctor of Business Administration, spent his early career leading award-winning daily newspaper and multimedia businesses for both Trinity Mirror plc and Northcliffe Newspapers. He went on to become the founding CEO of business services group UMi, formerly BE Group, working with governments, corporates, and SMEs across the UK. In 2007 Alastair joined the Board of Teesside University, becoming Deputy Chair in 2009, and Chair of the Board from 2014 until 2022. He has provided exceptional leadership and strategic support to the University through considerable growth and expansion. Alastair is a University of Glasgow graduate and is currently Chair of Court at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Tony Unsworth – Doctor of Engineering Thursday 28 April, 10.30am ceremony Professor Tony Unsworth, who receives a Doctor of Engineering, has been a Professor of Engineering at Durham University since 1989. He has an extensive research portfolio in biomedical engineering and tribology, with his research exploring the functioning of natural and artificial joints, as well as the design of new generations of joints.

Tony initially joined Teesside Polytechnic’s Shadow Board of Governors in 1986. Re-designated as a university in 1992, he remained a committed and valued board member of Teesside University until 1999 following full tenure. Tony subsequently became a member of the University’s Professorial Committee (now the Academic Titles and Awards Committee), providing valuable advice and expertise to the University until March 2020.

His Honour Judge Les Spittle – Doctor of Laws Friday 29 April, 10.30am ceremony Middlesbrough raised Judge Leslie Spittle, who receives a Doctor of Laws, was born in Middlesbrough, attending Acklam Hall Grammar School, followed by Constantine College. He worked as an apprentice before studying law at Hull University. On graduating Leslie lectured at Bradford College before joining Teesside Polytechnic. In 1969 he commenced practice as a barrister from chambers in London and Leeds before joining Fountain Chambers in Middlesbrough. In 1996 Leslie became circuit judge at the Teesside Bench, continuing to sit part-time as a deputy circuit judge after his retirement in 2010. Leslie was a governor at Teesside University from 1997 to 2007, subsequently taking up the role as the University’s Visitor, and continues to be an important advocate of the University.

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