Former UCLan Cyprus Rector recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours List
The former Rector of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Cyprus campus has been recognised in the News Years Honours List.
Dr Melinda Tan has been awarded the MBE for “services to British higher education overseas and the promotion of bi-communal relations in Cyprus” and was described as a “true ambassador of British education overseas.”
Melinda has been at UCLan since 2004 and was Rector of UCLan Cyprus from November 2013 – July 2017. When asked how she felt about the award, she commented: “I am extremely honoured to be awarded the MBE and would like to thank the University for having entrusted me to fly the UCLan flag in such an important strategic project.
“For me personally, the award is great but life goes on as normal. I am pleased that the honour will raise awareness of the sterling work the University has accomplished overseas.”
"I am extremely honoured to be awarded the MBE and would like to thank the University for having entrusted me to fly the UCLan flag in such an important strategic project."
Dr Tan described her time as Rector of UCLan Cyprus as “life changing.” In her citation she was praised for “providing visionary academic leadership and actively championing cultural integration in a racially segregated environment.”
She added: “I feel privileged to have worked with staff from UCLan Cyprus who are high flyers, extremely innovative, and totally committed to ensuring the success of the campus in what it represents: a model of British academic excellence underpinned by the UCLan values of providing access to education no matter the background, mutual respect, people development and teamwork. This award is very much dedicated to them as to the whole UCLan community as a recognition of their hard work and service.”
UCLan Cyprus is located in Pyla, Larnaka, and is now in its fifth year of operation. Since her return to the Preston Campus in August 2017, Dr Tan has now taken up the role of Director of Business Development in the Faculty of Culture and the Creative Industries. She will visit Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE from the Queen during 2018.
