Pro-Chancellor, it gives me great pleasure to provide this oration for Nicky Kemp and pay tribute to her years of dedicated service to the University of Bath. Nicky has had a long association with the University, graduating with a BSc in Applied Biology in 1983 before returning as a member of staff in 1997. Nicky held numerous roles at the University until her retirement in 2024, most notably as Director of Policy and Planning (2008-2019) and Director of Policy, Planning and Compliance (2019-2023).
In these roles, Nicky held a key position in the Senior Management Team at the University for many years and her achievements were significant, numerous and wide-ranging. Her extraordinary and unique knowledge of University processes, the Higher Education sector and the complex regulatory environment meant her leadership and expertise were valued across the full breadth of University activity. Nicky wrote several University strategies during her time at Bath and, through her role in managing the planning process, ensured that the necessary strategic plans and resources were in place to support the delivery of our goals.
Nicky has played an instrumental role in physically shaping the Claverton campus. To everyone graduating here today, if you were taught in the Chancellors’ Building, 4 East South, 10 West, the Milner Centre or 1 West, Nicky prepared the business case, the first step in getting all those buildings off the ground. Nicky has also successfully bid for millions of pounds worth of capital funding to support our campus development.
Throughout her time at Bath, Nicky was pivotal in ensuring success in national assessments such as the subject-level Teaching Quality Assessment exercise, helping many departments achieve the maximum score, and the first Teaching Excellence Framework submission, for which the University received a Gold award. She also initiated a co-ordinated approach to the University’s student, staff and finance statistical data returns to enhance our national league table performance. Nicky’s understanding of Higher Education policy meant she was able to ensure the University stayed ahead of the game and maximise our opportunities in response to initiatives such as Student Number Controls. All of these achievements continue to contribute to the excellent reputation the University enjoys today, something everyone here can be proud of and benefits from. She also introduced a cross-campus approach to co-ordinating undergraduate intakes during Confirmation and Clearing and, as well as being involved in key strategic decisions during this critical period, was also the first to volunteer for the Confirmation and Clearing call centre, manning the phones for the 8am shift on A Level results day and supporting prospective students with their enquires.
As the initial Chair of the Silver Emergency Management Team, Nicky was instrumental in managing the University’s immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All members of the Silver Emergency Management Team, Nicky included, went above and beyond to help ensure the safety of students and staff during this time.
Nicky was an inspirational leader, respected and valued across the University, and the most supportive and kind colleague to all those who worked with her. Despite her senior position, she was incredibly approachable and took great pride in developing and supporting more junior colleagues, such as myself, develop and build their careers. Pro-Chancellor, it is my honour to present to you Nicky Kemp, who is eminently worthy to receive the degree of Master of the University, honoris causa.