Each year since 2017, we've been proud to recognise some truly outstanding alumni with our 'Alumnus of the Year' award. These are individuals who've been nominated by staff or classmates for their fantastic contributions in their chosen fields and for being wonderful supporters of our university.
We recently caught up with two of our past winners to hear what they've been up to since receiving their awards. Get ready to be inspired!
Here’s why we awarded Imran Alumnus of the Year...
Originally from London, Imran studied for his BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at Fusehill Street in Carlisle where he met his future wife Beth, on the same course. Securing an NQT position in Norfolk after graduation Imran was recognised early on for leadership potential. He quickly moved up the ranks to deputy head but had a shock cancer diagnosis followed by six months of chemotherapy the same year. After successful treatment in 2018, Imran realised his ambition and became Headteacher of Buxton Primary School in Norfolk.
Current Role: School Improvement Director, Eastern Multi-Academy Trust, Norfolk
“Since receiving the University of Cumbria’s Alumnus of the Year award in 2019, my career has continued to evolve in meaningful and rewarding ways. At the time, I was Headteacher of Buxton Primary School. In April 2022, I moved into my current role as School Improvement Director at Eastern Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT), based in King’s Lynn, where I support 12 schools in strengthening their educational provision and outcomes.
I also trained as an Ofsted inspector, a role I’ve held for nearly four years now. That experience has been invaluable, offering insight into how schools operate across the country and helping sharpen my leadership practice. When the opportunity at EMAT came up, I was encouraged by a former colleague to go for it—and I’m so glad I did. Working with multiple schools, many of which were on rapid improvement journeys, has been both a challenge and a real privilege. Since joining, all our schools have now been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, which reflects the strength and dedication of the teams across the Trust.
The most satisfying part of the role is knowing that our work is making a real difference to children’s life chances. As our practice continues to evolve, there are exciting opportunities to grow the Trust and support even more schools in the future.
Winning the Alumnus of the Year award remains a proud moment. It’s a great reminder of how far I’ve come since my teacher training days and has been a lovely recognition of the work I care so much about—even if I prefer to stay humble about it!
On a personal note, life has changed in ways I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve moved to the countryside, which has brought a better work-life balance and a more grounded pace of living. My wife Beth, who was also a teacher, now runs The Stone Lane Flower Company with her mum. They grow and create beautiful arrangements using seasonal British flowers—both fresh and dried. It’s been inspiring to watch her build something of her own and grow her business successfully.
Although distance and term-time commitments make it harder to stay closely involved with the university, I’ve kept in touch through occasional online interviews with teacher training cohorts, especially thanks to Sue Temple. I’d love to find more ways to give back and stay connected in the future.”
Check out the beautiful Stone Lane Flower Company here.
Read more about why we awarded Imran Alumnus of the Year here.
Here’s why we awarded Katie Alumnus of the Year...
Raised near Coatbridge, Scotland, Katie suffered from a bad stammer as a child but found confidence through drama. After gaining her BA (Hons) degree in Drama, Performance and Technical Theatre in 2014 Katie achieved a lifelong ambition of opening a theatre school for children with additional support needs. Katie’s Shining Stars ASN Theatre School is now a thriving charity helping young people and adults find their own confidence.
Current role: Founder, Shining Stars ASN Theatre School
“Shining Stars is celebrating 10 years this year! Hard to believe we're 10 - what a journey it's been!
Shining Stars has had charitable status since 2 September 2020, and we now have a building of our own that we've made a central hub for people with additional support needs (ASN) in Lanarkshire and other local council areas to access.
During covid, we unfortunately lost the original building we were renting. We had to go back a little and reevaluate what we really wanted to achieve, and we eventually got our very own building. It's been a hard long struggle, but now everyone is settled, and we’ve added our own touch to the building. We're all very happy at Shining Stars.
We've just finished Shining Stars has talent (a small take on Britain's Got Talent) and we had a fabulous night. We'll definitely be making it bigger next year. We have our award ceremonies coming up and Shining Stars Fest a fully inclusive festival we run in our community.
Recently, I was lucky enough to win a Special Recognition Award at the North Lanarkshire Council’s Provost Awards. The awards recognise outstanding community contributions and nominations are made by local councillors and community board members.
My local MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament) invited me to the Scottish Parliament 25 year anniversary as his local hero, where I was lucky enough to meet The King and Queen.
The most satisfying aspect of my job is just seeing all of my stars happy. As long as they're happy and fulfilled I'm happy!
In my personal life I like to take my dog hill walking and exploring new beaches, this helps me clear my mind of the stress at work sometimes. I don't actually know how I manage a work life balance; at the moment I feel selfish when I have time off but I'm learning to take more time for myself when I need it. I'm lucky enough that my family just up and do what I need them to do. Shining Stars is my whole life, and my family have just adopted it as well.
It was very surreal to win the Alumnus of the Year Award, a few years on I still can't believe I was lucky enough to receive it. It's really helped me achieve more and be more motivated with Shining Stars.
Since the award I have been in touch with the university regularly, I was part of the 100 Faces campaign, and I have been back to graduation ceremonies.
In the future, I’m hoping that Shining Stars can employ more staff and open more services for people to enjoy.”
Find out more about Shining Stars ASN Theatre School here.
Read more about why we awarded Katie Alumnus of the Year here.
Are any of your classmates doing exceptional things? Have they excelled in their careers, do they support their community in extraordinary ways? Do they give back to the university and our students? We would love to hear about them. You can nominate your Alumnus of the Year here.