David Longbottom, former LSBU Pro-Chancellor, awarded honorary doctorate
David Longbottom, former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of London South Bank University’s Board of Governors, awarded an honorary doctorateDavid Longbottom, former Pro-Chancellor and Chair of London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Board of Governors from 2008 to 2015, has been awarded (Monday 29 October) an honorary doctorate for his lifelong commitment and contribution to the world of business.
The presentation took place during a ceremony and celebration at the Royal Festival Hall for LSBU students graduating from the University’s School of Business with degrees in finance, accountancy, human resources, business management and economics.
David Longbottom was being honoured for his commitment to inspiring a generation of students and business people with the spirit of entrepreneurialism and communication vital to the business world.
LSBU's School of Business chose to present David Longbottom with this award because his values, career and achievements in the business world mirror LSBU’s twin aspirant values of enterprise and entrepreneurship embedded in the University’s culture. This was evidenced by LSBU winning The Times Higher Entrepreneurial University of the Year award in 2016 and in 2018 being awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
Each year LSBU engages up to 6000 individuals in entrepreneurial activities. The University is the largest UK higher education provider of European regional development funded (ERDF) activity, supporting small businesses to innovate and grow in the Capital.
LSBU's Business School students run the Business Solutions Centre which supports local small and medium sized enterprises, enabling them to access vital support from the University and LSBU hosts 72 SMEs based on three sites across campus.
Following an exemplary career spanning both academia and business, during which he acted as the CEO of a FTSE100 company, David spent eight years guiding decisions that have helped LSBU become the highly respected, supportive and economically sustainable institution it is today.
After retirement David took on a range of non-executive roles, including Chair of the Board of Governors at LSBU.
Sarah Moore-Williams, Dean of the School of Business said: “The University was lucky to have David at the helm for those crucial years in our development and we continue to reap the benefits now.
“David’s business expertise and no nonsense approach meant that the long-term sustainability of the University came first, along with a commitment to improving student services and the entrepreneurship for which LSBU is now so well-known and respected.”
Read more about David Longbottom's life and assocation with LSBU here.