The University is delighted that Jane Loveys, Director of Campus Services, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2024, for services to Higher Education.
Jane joined the University as Head of Accommodation & Hospitality Services in 2002, becoming Director of ahs in 2013, before being appointed Director of Campus Services in 2022.
She has championed important initiatives, such as implementing a new Sustainable Food Commitment and encouraging sustainable behaviours with the University’s “Leave no Trace” campaign, as part of the University’s Climate Action Framework. She also organised recognition events for staff, leading her team to win multiple awards including the CUBO Awards for "Best Campus Experience of the Year" in 2022.
Jane’s work helping to support students during the Covid pandemic was highlighted in her nomination, showing exceptional innovation, pushing boundaries and putting the University community at the heart of decision-making.
Jane consistently set direction and navigated challenges posed by the pandemic with positivity, energy, humanity, and humour, placing the experience and wellbeing of staff and students front-and-centre.
For example, she was personally involved in creating Easter parcels for students unable to return home during the first lockdown, and ensured she was present each day throughout the 2020 Christmas break to welcome and support students.
Jane was the first in the sector to provide healthy food packs to students in isolation; free hot food three times a day to students during the first lockdown period; supervised exercise for those in quarantine; dedicated transport to and from test centres; and extensive accommodation rent rebates and was among the first to recognise staff who worked through the pandemic.
Speaking about the honour, Jane said: "I'm really thrilled and feel quite humbled by this award, and would like to thank my colleagues at Bath for their support over the years."
Professor Ian White, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “This award is richly deserved and I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Jane.
“She has made a real difference to so many students at Bath, and I hope that everyone will join me in congratulating her and celebrating this wonderful achievement.”
Liz Eyles, Head of Residence Life at the University, said: “We are all delighted that Jane has been recognised with this award.
“This honour is tribute to Jane's hard work, innovation, dedication and support for staff and students across the board, and highlights the industry leading - and changing - interventions, initiatives and culture that she has worked so tirelessly to achieve.
“This award is extremely well deserved and brings exceptionally good news to close 2023.”