Two leading Milton Keynes academics were awarded honours in the King’s Birthday Honours in June.
Professor Rachel Hilliam, Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at The Open University, received an OBE for her services to Data Sciences.
Rachel joined The Open University in 2011 and has held a number of senior roles, including Director of Teaching for Mathematics and Statistics and academic lead for the Mathematics and Statistics student support team.
She has made a significant contribution to the development of professional standards across statistics and data science, both nationally and through international collaboration, and has played a prominent role within the Royal Statistical Society (RSS).
Her wider contributions include delivering the 2020-26 Teaching Statistics Trust Lecture series, a founding member of the RSS Section for Teaching Statistics in Higher Education and co-creating Teaching and Learning Mathematics Online (TALMO), an international initiative supporting mathematics teaching and learning, which continues as an active seminar series. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the RSS Chambers Medal in 2024.
Speaking about receiving an OBE Professor Hilliam said: “I was both thrilled and overwhelmed to be awarded this honour. I am incredibly fortunate to work not just with exceptionally talented colleagues at the OU, but also nationally.
“It was a privilege to work with so many amazing people across multiple professional and learned societies, industry and education to create and establish the Alliance for Data Science Professionals, and associated Data Science standards. This award is the result of a huge collaborative effort, and I want to thank everyone involved.”
Sally Alexander, Chief Executive and Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, was awarded an MBE for services to Further Education.
The honour recognises Sally’s outstanding contribution to education over more than three decades, and her leadership in transforming opportunities for learners, communities and employers both locally and nationally.
Sally joined Milton Keynes College Group in 1999 and has played a pivotal role in its development into one of the UK’s most impactful college groups. Prior to becoming Chief Executive, she led the organisation’s prison education provision, becoming a nationally recognised leader in the field and helping to reshape education in custody, supporting individuals to progress into employment and positive futures on release.
As Chief Executive, Sally has led the continued growth and transformation of the College Group, strengthening partnerships with major employers, expanding access to education and skills, and positioning the organisation as a key civic and economic partner within its communities.
Through Sally’s leadership, Milton Keynes College Group has seen significant growth in student numbers, alongside sustained improvements in quality and impact. The organisation has retained its Good Ofsted rating, with inspectors recognising Outstanding provision for adult learners and those with high needs.
Sally said: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the commitment and dedication of so many colleagues, partners and learners I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.
“I have always believed that Further Education is nothing if it is not at the heart of our communities. It has the power to change lives, create opportunity and bring people together, and I am proud to be part of that every day.”
