Vice Chair On New Year's Honours List

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Deborah

STAMMA's Deborah Johnston has been awarded an MBE for her work supporting students who stammer.

Our Vice Chair was included in the King's New Year's Honours List 2024 last week for services to stammering recognition in Higher Education (HE).

Deborah, who is also Vice Chancellor of London South Bank University, has led the way in getting stammering recognised within universities. Among her work, which she does in her free time, Deborah spearheaded the production of the ‘Supporting Students who Stammer in Higher Education’ guide, which helps professionals give students who stammer a positive and inclusive HE experience. She also created the video 'Supporting Students Who Stammer' which provides advice, hope and encouragement to those starting university for the first time.

Paul Fix, interim Chair of STAMMA said:

“I would like to warmly congratulate our Vice Chair, Deborah Johnston, on being awarded the MBE in The King's 2024 New Year’s Honours List. Deborah has championed the needs of those who stammer and those who are disabled in higher education for many years, and as a long-time member of STAMMA we are immensely proud of this recognition of her work."

Jane Powell, CEO of STAMMA said:

“This a well-deserved honour for Deborah. The voices of people who stammer are rarely given public space or respect, so it fantastic to see her work recognised.”

Deborah herself said:

"Stammering is the most misunderstood condition, it was natural for me to advocate in higher education, which can be so transformative. I couldn’t have done so without the contributions of so many fantastic academics and students who stammer. And of course, the wonderful support of STAMMA. I’m proud to serve on the Board, especially when there is so much more to do."