- Aston University has conferred honorary degrees on two individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields
- Claire Miles, the CEO of Stagecoach, received a doctorate of business administration
- Diane Wake, group chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, received a doctorate of science.
On 22 January 2026, Aston University conferred two honorary degrees during its Winter Graduation ceremonies at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
Claire Miles, CEO of Stagecoach, received a doctorate of business administration. Diane Wake, group chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, received a doctorate of science. Honorary graduates are recognised for their exceptional contributions to their fields, and represent Aston University’s values of ambition, collaboration, inclusion, innovation and integrity.
Aston University Chancellor Dr Jason Wouhra OBE presented the two honorary degrees during the University’s Winter Graduation ceremonies, at which more than 800 postgraduate students also received their degrees.
Claire is an Aston University alumna and began her career in retail financial services, working for companies including GE Money and Santander, before spending ten years at Centrica. Her first CEO role was with Yell and, since October 2023, she has been CEO of Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator. Claire is non-executive director and RemCo chair for Biffa and a visiting professor at Aston.
She said:
“I am humbled and honoured to be awarded an honorary degree by Aston University. I am immensely grateful to have graduated from Aston 30 years ago, complete with both academic qualifications and life lessons that were unique and instrumental in building my career. I have since watched the university grow and flourish with huge pride, and I am delighted to be able to play a small part in its ongoing journey as it helps thousands of students and businesses every year.”
Diane is a nurse by background with over 40 years’ experience in the NHS. Under her leadership, The Dudley Group is successfully working in partnership with Aston University to achieve University Hospital Trust status. In January 2025, Diane became CEO of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which formally opened the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital during a ceremony with King Charles III. She has championed high-quality care and workforce innovation, including award-winning initiatives that improve access to NHS careers and pioneering virtual ward models that enhance patient care. Diane is recognised for her dedication to compassionate leadership, patient safety and organisational excellence.
She said:
“I am truly grateful to Aston University for this recognition and as I accept it, I do so with pride and humility for the extraordinary people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout more than 40 years in the NHS. I encourage all today’s graduates to remain curious, to value collaboration, and to remember that real impact comes from working together in service of others.”
Aston University Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Aleks Subic said:
“Claire, as an Aston alumna, exemplifies the powerful combination of an Aston University education and unwavering dedication, demonstrating how far talent paired with hard work can take someone in their career. We also celebrate Diane’s significant influence on the health and wellbeing of local communities, closely reflecting Aston’s mission to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people living in the region. Both individuals are remarkable examples of leadership, service, and the values Aston seeks to champion. I am delighted that we have conferred these honorary degrees on two very worthy recipients.”