Bridgend College’s 2024 Fellowships were presented during its Higher Education Graduation Ceremonies held at its Pencoed Campus.
Former Chair of the Governing Body, Jeff Greenidge, was honoured during the first ceremony of the day in recognition of his services to the Welsh Further Education sector and his dedication to the inclusion and diversity agenda.
Jeff’s career in education began as a teacher of modern languages and physical education. After leaving the profession behind, Jeff has served as Director of Diversity for the Education and Training Federation and has shared his expertise on several Boards. Jeff joined the Board of Governors at Bridgend College in January 2021 and became Chair in December of the same year.
During his tenure, Jeff oversaw the College’s most recent Estyn inspection, which highlighted the strong, supportive and inclusive culture for learners and staff. Jeff remains a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within education, said the college, serving as the Director for Diversity and Governance at the Association of Colleges (AoC), as well as recently taking up an exciting new role as a Board member with Medr, the newly formed Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.
The second ceremony of the day honoured Professor Tracy Myhill OBE in recognition of her services to the public sector and outstanding inclusive leadership. Having enjoyed a long and successful NHS career of 36 years, from her first role as a clerical officer through to her Chief Executive post, Tracy is also an experienced HR professional who inspires people from all backgrounds to achieve their leadership goals, the college said. Following retirement as Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service and Swansea Bay University Health Board, Tracy established a consultancy service, through which she provides individual and organisational support to enable people to be the best that they can be.
Tracy’s impact has been recognised through numerous awards including from the Institute of Directors, Healthcare People Management Association, Stonewall Wales and the Leading Wales Awards. In 2021, Tracy was awarded an OBEin the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to the NHS.
Jeff and Tracy were presented their Fellowships by Emma Adamson, Chair of the Governing Body at Bridgend College.
Viv Buckley, Principal and CEO, said:
“It was an honour to present Jeff and Tracy with their Fellowships at our Graduation Ceremony. They have influenced many through their long and successful careers, and their inspirational words to our graduates, staff and guests were no exception. They are truly passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, which is very closely aligned with the values we hold at Bridgend College.”
The College’s Higher Education Graduation is one of the highlights of the year where it celebrates the achievements of its students from the past academic year. Along with College staff, the event was attended by Governors and Members of the Senedd, including Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, and Dr Altaf Hussain MS, Senedd Regional Member for South Wales West. In addition, Councillor Paul Davies, Mayor of Pencoed Town Council, was also present to celebrate the achievements of students
