Former Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University recognised for decades of pioneering work in education, research and public service.
Date: 16 June 2025
Professor Lynn Dobbs has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising her outstanding contribution to higher education and public service.
Lynn, who retired as London Metropolitan University’s Vice-Chancellor in summer 2024, received the honour for a career marked by a commitment to social inclusion and transformative research, teaching and leadership.
Commenting on her award, Lynn said: "The strength of the higher education sector is the staff who work in it, and I am forever indebted to my colleagues that I enjoyed working with and who helped me make a difference at the institutions I worked in. I particularly enjoyed my time at London Met and the fantastic staff that work there, and this award is as much for them and that fantastic university as it is for me."
A lifetime of outstanding commitment
The OBE is one of the UK’s most distinguished honours, awarded to individuals who have made important contributions in their field. The honours are announced twice annually and aim to celebrate exceptional service and achievement across British society. This year’s King's Birthday Honours List recognises 1,215 individuals, from fields such as politics, the arts, sports and education.
"We are very proud of Lynn's well-deserved recognition," said Tijs Broke, Chair of London Met’s Board of Governors. "This award is in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding commitment to transforming lives through her research, inspirational teaching and leadership. Her transformational leadership here at London Met revitalised this wonderful institution, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and ambition."
During her tenure as Vice-Chancellor, beginning in October 2018, Lynn led a period of substantial renewal at London Met. Under her stewardship, the university doubled its income, stabilised domestic enrolment and revitalised its international student profile, among other notable achievements.
.jpg)