From graduate to governance, University of Leicester honours court member

The University of Leicester has recognised one of its graduates for his service to the institution.

Ian Johnson received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall, in Leicester, today (Thursday 18 July).

Between 2011 and 2023, Ian served the University as a lay member of Council, and in that capacity was also a member of Court. Since stepping down from Council, he has remained a member of Court in a personal capacity.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Ian grew up in Gloucestershire, excelling in sport at school where he held the position of head boy. He graduated from Leicester in 1977 with a degree in Geography, having represented the University at both rugby and cricket.

He said: “I was delighted to be offered an honorary degree by the University. I thoroughly enjoyed my three years as an undergraduate and was pleased to be able to contribute to the institution as a member of Council in recent years.”

Staying in Leicester after graduation, Ian enjoyed a successful career as a chartered accountant, specialising in general taxation, initially at Price Waterhouse before moving to Grant Thornton. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales in 1980, and was admitted to fellowship of that body in 1991. 

Since retiring in 2017, Ian has continued to work as a consultant with a select group of clients. In the mid-2000s, Ian re-established his connection with the University as part of a governance group overseeing spin-out businesses, before applying for a vacant seat on Council. 

During his time on Council, Ian sat on all the major committees. He was Chair of the Audit Committee from 2015 to 2019, and as University Treasurer he chaired the Finance Committee from 2019 to 2023. He also gave a substantial amount of his time to the project to develop the Freemen’s site.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “It is particularly pleasing for the University to be able to honour one of its own graduates who has given so much back to our community.

“I would like to congratulate Ian on his honorary award and thank him for his service in his roles in both Court and Council.”