University of Sunderland alumni recognised in King’s Birthday Honours 2025

Published on 16, June, 2025

Eight graduates from the University of Sunderland are among those featured in the King's Birthday Honours 2025, which recognises the outstanding achievements and contributions of people across the UK.

• Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Kylie Dixon (Fine Art, 2015)

Founder of The Northern Lass Lounge. For services to Social Enterprise and Female Entrepreneurship. (Seaham, County Durham)

Kylie, who is also a published children’s author and illustrator, said: “I’m beyond honoured to receive an MBE for services to female entrepreneurship and social enterprise in the north-east, but this isn’t just about me – it’s for every woman who has ever doubted herself and kept going anyway.

“The Northern Lass Lounge is living proof that when lasses lift each other up, magic happens. This award is for all of us who’ve ever said, ‘Aye, I can do this.’”

Lynda Redshaw (Business Management, 2003)

Executive Assistant, Northern Housing Consortium. For services to Social Housing in the North of England. (Houghton le Spring, County Durham)

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Mark Bills (Fine Art, 1985)

Lately Director of Gainsborough’s House. For services to Art, to Museums and to the Community in Suffolk. (Sadbury, Suffolk)

Mark said: “I am so honoured to receive this award, and I am so grateful to the team that I had around me as we developed Gainsborough’s House as a local, regional and national centre.

“It has been to my great joy that I have worked with art all my life and see its positive impact upon people. I am delighted that the award is recognising the importance of historic cultural venues and the positive impact that they make for art and for people.”

• Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Christina Jones (Teacher Training MA, 2010)

Chief Executive Officer, River Tees Multi Academy Trust. For services to Education. (Middleton, North Yorkshire)

Angela Lockwood (NCFE (National Council for Education) in Social Work, 1998)

Lately Chief Executive Officer, North Star Housing. For Services to Disadvantaged People in the North East. (Seaham, County Durham)

Vivien Watts (Social Science, 1998)

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hope4Kidz. For services to Charity and to the Community in the North East. (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear)

Simon Gerard White (Journalism MA, 1999)

Lately Chief Executive Officer, Vision Academy Learning Trust. For services to Education. (Ferryhill, County Durham)

Dawn McNally (Business Studies, 1989)

Group Chief Executive, Age UK North Tyneside. For Charitable Services to Older People in the North East. (Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear)