Chief Executive Officer at EKC, Graham Razey, has been made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Mr Razey, who has been at the head of the Broadstairs campus, formerly Thanet College, since April 2010 receives the honour for services to education.
He began his career in further education when he joined South Kent College as its sports and recreation manager after graduating with a degree in mathematics and accounting from the University of Kent in 1993. P
He took his first leadership role as the Head of Mathematics at the college, successfully leading it from an unsatisfactory OfSTED grade..
In 2002 Mr Razey was appointed to the role of Director of Business, Creative and Sixth Form Studies and then as Assistant Principal in 2004.
In April 2006 he joined East Surrey College and held the post of Vice Principal Finance and Resources for sixteen months. His work ensured the college swiftly recovered from a deficit position and achieved Action for Business Colleges accreditation.
In August 2007 he joined Hastings College and undertook the role of Deputy Principal Curriculum until April 2010.
Mr Razey was then appointed as Principal and Chief Executive at the former Thanet College. He led the rebrand to East Kent College and has overseen developments including the opening of the Yarrow Hotel.
He lives in Maidstone with his wife, Shireen and his son Charlie. A keen sportsman, Graham plays cricket in the Kent League for Offham CC and recently completed the London Marathon to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust after the loss of one of his students to the illness.
Mr Razey said: “ “From the very first lesson I delivered, I was hooked on how Further Education transforms lives. Over the years I have been hugely inspired by our students, who often overcome significant barriers to keep studying, and achieve their aspirations. Seeing their smiles when they achieve their first certificate or secure their dream job has been all the reward I have needed.
“I am truly honoured to receive this OBE and hope in some way that it helps to raise the profile of technical and vocational education. I have always championed the role that Further Education colleges play within their local communities and I feel privileged to have been a part of many fantastic partnerships between local groups, businesses and the Colleges which I have led.
“I have been blessed with having a great network supporting me, but I would like in particular to thank my wife and son who have been my rocks, and with whom I look forward to celebrating this honour.”
Also on the honours list is The Rt Revd Dr Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, who has been made an MBE for services to young people and the Church of England
The citation states: “Everywhere she has gone, she has broken down barriers and made history. She has campaigned relentlessly for equality for women in the church, which paved the way for others.”
It adds: “She has been one of the most influential and effective ministers in the public sphere through her long service as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. She previously served as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England and also as one of the Panel Chairs of the Synod.”
Bishop Rose said:“I am surprised and deeply humbled that I have been recommended to be awarded an MBE. I am committed to giving – and will continue to give – my best in serving all those entrusted to my care, whether I encounter them just once or many times – from the young person on the street to the formal setting of a classroom, politicians making our laws or those I meet here in my new role with the Diocese of Canterbury.”
Deal fundraiser and charity ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, Kelly Banks, was made an MBE for services to breast cancer research.
Kathryn Bispham, Clinical Governance Coordinator at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, was made MBE for services to patient safety.
David Turner, from Dover, was made MBE for services to families of terminally ill children.
This year some 1,097 people have received an award:
● 941 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level:
● 789 (72%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity;