First Honorary Degrees to be Awarded by TEC Partnership at Graduation Ceremony in Bridlington

The TEC Partnership is thrilled to announce the awarding of its first-ever honorary degree during the upcoming graduation ceremony, which will be held at Priory Church in Bridlington on Saturday, 5th October 2024. This significant occasion will celebrate graduates from two of the colleges within the TEC Partnership, East Riding College and Scarborough TEC, and will feature the presentation of the prestigious Bachelor of Education, honoris causa to Viv Parker. 

Viv Parker, Senior Advisor to UK Partnerships at the University of Hull, has been a tireless advocate for the further education sector for over 25 years. Her extensive contributions, particularly to the local partnerships, including the Institute of Technology, Uniconnect, and the enduring collaborative work between TEC Partnership and the University of Hull, have profoundly shaped education across Northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. 

Born in Leeds and educated at Tadcaster Grammar School, Viv’s passion for education led her to study at Hull College of Education, earning the newly developed Bachelor of Education degree awarded by the University of Hull. She began her career teaching Geography at Longcroft School in Beverley, later serving as Deputy Headteacher. In 1997, after 27 years, Viv transitioned to the University of Hull, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting teacher training and partnership development, driven by her vast network and experience. 

Viv’s commitment to partnership and collaboration has been demonstrated in her roles with a variety of educational and community groups across the region. She has served as a member of the Governing Body of East Riding College and undertaken various projects on behalf of the University of Hull, including the development of a new secondary school in Hull under the Building Schools for the Future Programme. More recently, she has been integral to the establishment of the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology (YHIoT), fulfilling the University’s role as the Anchor Higher Education Institution. 

Throughout her career, Viv has championed the importance of education for disadvantaged and under-represented communities. Her efforts to deliver higher education opportunities through Further Education colleges have enabled countless students, including many from TEC Partnership, to access degree programs in partnership with the University of Hull. 

Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership, commented: 
“Viv Parker has been a driving force behind the advancement of further education in our region. Her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for students and supporting educational partnerships has had a transformative impact. We are deeply honoured to present her with our first honorary degree, a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable contributions to education.” 

Viv’s influence continues to extend across various educational initiatives, including the University of Hull Federation of Colleges Board, the Digital Technologies Network, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Network, and a Cyber Security group. Her dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.  As a key ambassador for TEC Partnership and the further education sector, Viv Parker’s recognition with the Bachelor of Education, honoris causa, serves as a tribute to her decades of exceptional service and commitment to education.