Graduation 2023 | Karen Carney MBE Honorary Speech │ University of Gloucestershire

It's an honour to welcome Karen Carney MBE, a trailblazing figure in international football and sports journalism, as our keynote speaker for this year's graduation ceremony.

As a former international footballer with an impressive record of 144 caps for England, Karen has carved a path of excellence and inspiration in the world of sports. Her transition from a celebrated athlete to a high-profile sports journalist has been marked by her impactful work, especially in advocating for mental health awareness, addressing the effects of online abuse, and championing gender equality.

A proud alumna of our University, recognised as an FA Women’s High Performance Football Centre, Karen has risen to become one of the UK’s most respected sports pundits. Her insightful commentary as the lead pundit for the FA Women’s Super League on Sky Sports, coupled with her roles as a columnist for The Guardian, BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC TV, highlights her versatility and depth of knowledge in sports journalism.

Karen's contributions to football were honoured with an MBE in 2017. Today, the University is delighted to present her with an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy. This accolade acknowledges her exceptional international careers in both football and sports journalism and celebrates her as a highly successful alumna of our institution.

Join us in embracing the wisdom and insights Karen brings to this special occasion. Her journey is a powerful narrative of success, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of equality and respect in sports and beyond.

Find out more: https://www.glos.ac.uk/

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