Posted: 05/01/09
Principal Asha receives Royal recognition
West Nottinghamshire College Principal and Chief Executive Asha Khemka is celebrating after being recognised in the 2009 New Year Honours List.
She has been appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen in recognition of her services to Further Education.
It marks a remarkable year of achievement for Mrs Khemka, who was crowned Asian Woman of the Year in May 2008 for her outstanding contribution to education.
Since arriving at West Nottinghamshire College in May 2006, Mrs Khemka has helped turn it into one of the best-performing colleges in the country.
In July 2008 the college was awarded ‘Outstanding: Grade 1’ across all categories by Ofsted inspectors, placing it in the top 5% of colleges nationally.
Mrs Khemka has also been the driving force behind the college’s ambitious plans to replace its main campus in Derby Road, Mansfield, with a new £96m ‘super-college’ that will also bring together several existing college sites.
Mrs Khemka said: “I am so humbled by being named in the New Year Honours List. I have dedicated a lifetime of service to the Further Education sector and none of my success would have been possible without the support of exceptional colleagues over the years and the support of my husband and children.
“This has marked the end of an incredible year for West Nottinghamshire College and for me personally.”
“I look forward to 2009 and the exciting challenges it holds; in particular progressing our ambitious accommodation plans to provide our local community with the world class facilities it deserves and taking forward our Inspire and Achieve Foundation – a charity dedicated to raising the aspirations of white disadvantaged young people.”
