June 13, 2016 10.26 am This story is over 93 months old

Lincoln College board chair awarded CBE for services to education

A Lincoln College Group board chair has been awarded a CBE for her services to further education at the Queen’s 90th birthday honours. Margaret Serna, who is the Lincoln College Board of Corporation Chair, was among those recognised for they extraordinary achievements across the UK. She was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order…
Margarent Serna has received a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours.

A Lincoln College Group board chair has been awarded a CBE for her services to further education at the Queen’s 90th birthday honours.

Margaret Serna, who is the Lincoln College Board of Corporation Chair, was among those recognised for they extraordinary achievements across the UK.

She was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Margaret said: “I am deeply honoured and very proud that I am being recognised for a role that I consider it a privilege to be able to undertake.

“I have been a board member for eight years and chair for five years now and have found working towards enriching the lives of young people through training and education a deeply rewarding and life enhancing experience.

“Over the years I have seen our organisation develop into a dynamic and diverse group of colleges stretching across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and overseas into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China, touching the lives of many thousands of learners.

“I look forward to continuing my work in this area and would like to thank those who have supported me along the way. In a sense this great honour is shared with them, many of whom have made a similar contribution to my own.”

Gary Headland, CEO of the Lincoln College Group. Photo Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Business

Gary Headland, CEO of the Lincoln College Group. Photo Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Business

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said:”It has been a great privilege to work with Margaret Serna for the past two years. She is a massively supportive and professional chair.

“Her altruism and dedication are exceptional. Her devotion to improving opportunities for students and employers in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Newark has been unswerving.

“Margaret is also a highly talented business leader; her vision and leadership have generated UK and international commercial opportunities for the Lincoln College Group that will provide substantial opportunities for us to invest in education and skills in Lincolnshire and Newark for many years to come.

“The award of a CBE is appropriate recognition of Margaret’s huge contribution to our region in general, the Lincoln College Group in particular – we are all very pleased for her and extraordinarily proud of her.”

There were a number of well-known names honoured in this list, including a knighthood for singer and songwriter Rod Stewart; and a knighthood for Simon Robey, Chair of the Royal Opera House and Aldeburgh Music.

There were CBEs for cricketer, Alastair Cook; classical pianist, Paul Lewis; and for Alan Shearer for his charitable services.

OBEs were awarded to tennis player Jamie Murray, actor Brian Blessed; actor and broadcaster Adil Ray; and well-known broadcasting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly (Ant and Dec).