Warwick University’s Vice-Chancellor Stuart Croft to receive Coventry Award of Merit

Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of Warwick University, has been honoured with the Coventry Award of Merit, alongside several other recipients. 

The accolade is given to those “who have shown dedication and passion to the support of the city of Coventry”. The award, launched in the 1960s, is a way of honouring those whose conduct “reflects the highest ideals of citizenship” and “improves the good name of Coventry”. 

Croft joins a community of award holders, which includes the designer of Coventry Cathedral and the inventor of the jet engine. Since the accolade’s inception, it has only been presented eight times, to 46 individuals.  

The Leader of Coventry City Council Cllr George Duggins stated: “The Award of Merit is not awarded often, it is not an annual presentation, but only given when people have shown outstanding commitment to our city and those who live here.”  

The Vice-Chancellor was given the accolade following a lifetime of supporting and promoting higher education. Cllr Duggins describes the recipients as “wonderful examples of […] dedication”.  

Stuart Croft said he was “deeply honoured to receive” the award and shared the recognition with “everyone at the University who has helped to make a difference in Coventry”

During his tenure as President, the University of Warwick has achieved Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), and 92% of Warwick’s research has been rated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent”. 

His role as a promoter of inclusive economic growth in Coventry and his links with local communities, charities, and residents have also helped him earn this prestigious award. 

In response, Stuart Croft said he was “deeply honoured to receive” the Award and shared the recognition with “everyone at the University who has helped to make a difference in Coventry”, adding that he looked forward to continuing this work.