Jonathan Thornton awarded Honorary Doctorate and urges graduates to be ambitious

“Be ambitious, be prepared to take risks, and work hard” was the message to graduates from business leader and former Chair of University Council, Jonathan Thornton OBE, as he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Huddersfield.

The honour was conferred in recognition of Mr Thornton's commitment to the governance and development of the University, his impact on regional business and his sustained support for the local community.

He spoke of his great pride and gratitude at the honour during the University’s graduation ceremony for the School of Business, Education and Law, which took place on 11 November 2026.

He said: “My involvement with the University as a Council member and Chair over the past 20 years has been really rewarding. I have had the privilege of seeing at close quarters what a fine University this is. It is an institution of which this town, the whole region and you graduates should be proud. It has been an honour to play a small part in its development and ambitions.”

Addressing the graduates, he added: “Reflecting on my own career, one of the things I have learned is that satisfaction comes not simply from what you achieve, but also from the contribution you make along the way.

“That brings me to the graduates here today. You are leaving this University with knowledge, skills and qualifications, and with huge potential to make a difference. The weeks and years ahead of you are exciting, and you have the opportunity to use your talents not just for your own success, but to benefit others.

“My advice, from someone towards the end of their career to you who are starting yours, is: be ambitious, be prepared to take risks, work hard, and alongside all of that, remember the importance of giving something back.”

Mr Thornton, who is the former head of Huddersfield-based healthcare manufacturing group Thornton & Ross, joined the University’s principal governing body in 2006.

He chaired the Council’s Audit Committee for six years before becoming Vice-Chair of Council in 2018 and Chair in 2019, serving in that role until July 2026. Throughout his time on Council, he played an important role in the University’s governance, providing strategic oversight and supporting its long-term development and success.

His contribution to higher education was recognised nationally in June 2026 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

During his time as Chair, the University achieved significant national and international recognition, including Gold ratings across all three categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), an Outstanding Ofsted judgement for its apprenticeship provision, and recognition as the UK’s Most Improved University in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Earlier this year, the University was also ranked first in the world for Reduced Inequalities and No Poverty in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026.

Mr Thornton continues to advise businesses across Yorkshire and chairs a pharmaceutical development company.

Each year, the University awards honorary degrees to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities or wider society.