University News Last updated 07 November 2011
A former Birmingham City University student has been awarded an MBE for ‘services to young people in the West Midlands’.
Jennifer Johnson, who graduated from the University’s School of Social Sciences in 2002 with a BA (Hons) in Professional Housing Studies will receive her award later this year at Buckingham Palace.
Jennifer who is now manager of Edmonds Court Foyer, run by St Basils, a charity devoted to preventing youth homelessness and providing support services and supported accommodation in Birmingham, says that there is no doubt that it was Birmingham City University that ignited her passion for housing and young people.
Having worked at St Basils since 1992 and moving up the ranks, Jennifer decided she could no longer compete on her experience alone. After doing some research, she took the opportunity to build on her experience and gain a professional qualification.
After completing her foundation degree in Professional Housing Studies, Jennifer came back for more and completed her Bachelor’s degree, graduating in 2002.
Jennifer said: “The industry started to develop a professional stance and I realised that I could no longer rely on my experience alone to sustain my career.
“The learning environment at Birmingham City University was conducive to my personal life and the support from staff during a particularly difficult time in my life clearly shows wellbeing is just as important as academic attainment at the university.”