Administrator Charles Bolden will be awarded a Doctor of Engineering for his contribution to space exploration and engineering sciences.
Administrator Bolden, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, has been a marine aviator, test pilot and astronaut. He became NASA Administrator in 2009 and as such is a leader of one of the world’s most eminent scientific and exploratory research organisations.
Administrator Bolden trained during some of the most exciting years of the NASA Space Programme. The Shuttle explorations were at their peak and amongst his scientific and flight accolades Administrator Bolden has flown the Shuttle four times.
He moved on from NASA to resume service as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward. He was promoted to Major General in 1998 and became Deputy Commander of US Forces in Japan.
During his career he has been awarded medals and honours recognising his work at NASA, been inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and honoured with the Defence Superior Service medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
NASA’s goal is to pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. This is something which Administrator Bolden has achieved with distinction and this is demonstrated throughout his career.
Administrator Bolden said: “Science, technology, engineering, maths, and hard work have enabled me to travel from the segregated South to space”.
Sir David Carter will receive a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to school improvement, both locally and nationally.
Sir David studied music at Royal Holloway College, London. After graduating with a music degree he trained as a music and physical education teacher at the Institute of Education, London.
He rapidly progressed from classroom teacher to leadership roles in Berkshire, Dorset and Gloucestershire, before becoming Principal of Bristol’s John Cabot City Technology College in 2003. During these years he also achieved a MA in Music Education and a MBA in International Educational Leadership.
Sir David has contributed greatly to education in Bristol and to making outstanding education accessible for all. He believes in collaboration to improve educational outcomes, and established the Cabot Learning Federation of six secondary and five primary academies to tackle the dip in educational performance between primary and secondary phases.
Sir David is passionate about closing the attainment gap between young people from disadvantaged and middle class backgrounds. Under his direction the Cabot Learning Federation cultivates a learning culture in which all students are challenged to achieve.
The extraordinary success of the federation is undoubtedly due to Sir David’s powerful and effective leadership.