“Don’t give up when life deals you a bad hand!” - the rallying cry of resilience to Cumbria’s university graduates

Barbara Stephens OBE issued the call as the university awarded her an Honorary Doctorate, the most prestigious award it can confer upon an individual. 

More than 1,100 graduands are being honoured in eight ceremonies taking place at Carlisle Cathedral across three days, with celebrations concluding today. 

Above: A procession heading to Carlisle Cathedral for University of Cumbria's graduation ceremonies, November 2024

Barbara is a former apprentice engineer who was outnumbered by her male counterparts 200 to one at Marconi’s, a telecommunications company. She’d initially been offered a university place to study history – however she chose a different path. 

This bold decision led to a successful career as an engineer. After 18 years, she joined the National Economic Development Office as an industrial adviser to the electronics industry. 

Despite going on to experience redundancy five times during her own varied professional lifetime, Barbara went on to channel her passion into public service, which led to her being awarded an OBE in 2002. 

In 1993, Barbara faced a life-changing accident while riding a 500cc motorbike, which left her disabled.  

Facing redundancy, she took the opportunity to rethink her life. This led to her appointment as Chief Executive of the West Cumbria Development Agency.  

It was in this role Barbara became acutely aware of the lack of higher education opportunities in Cumbria, which forced young people to leave the county to continue their education. 

Barbara’s dedication to addressing this issue led to a 12-year involvement in the project to establish the University of Cumbria, followed by five years serving as a Board Director.  

She subsequently worked for 16 years in London, commuting weekly from Workington, before retiring in 2016. 

Barbara has received numerous honours for her work including an OBE in the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2006, and in 2015, an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Cumbria for her ongoing contributions to higher education, equality, and widening participation in society. 

Barbara has also held many non-executive roles including:  

• Six years as an external trustee and vice-chair of the University of Cumbria Students’ Union. 
• Chair of the governing body of the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) in Workington, the only specialist institution of its kind in Cumbria educating 14-19 year olds.
• Volunteer, trustee and board member of Hospice at Home, West Cumbria.

Barbara said: “My career might sound a straightforward path of success, but it did include being made redundant five times and the consequent job hunts, and the dream jobs that got away. However, it also included some wonderful people who took a chance on giving me, a very left field candidate, a job.

“So for students graduating, don’t give up when life deals you a bad hand, you will find the right opportunity, although it may not be the obvious one. And for the people who interview job applicants, if you have an unconventional candidate who might be the right person, do please give them a chance – they could be good or even great!” 

During her address, Barbara thanked her husband Trevor for his unwavering support. The pair have been married for 54 years, since Barbara was 18 and Trevor was 20. 

Above (l-r): University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL with Barbara Stephens OBE during the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate

Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Cumbria, told guests: “Barbara embodies vision, enthusiasm, and determination, inspiring many. Her strongest commitment has been to helping individuals fulfil their potential.  

“It is therefore immensely important that we honour a proud resident of Cumbria who offers such a range of experience and expertise and has achievements of notable distinction.” 

WATCH: University of Cumbria Honorary Doctorate recipient Barbara Stephens OBE 

ENDS