Kent Business School’s innovative Alumni Summer School has been awarded ‘Best Lifelong Learning Initiative 2025’ by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA).
The award showcases the impact and success of lifelong learning initiatives and their transformative effect not only on students and alumni but also on the business school itself. In particular it celebrates initiatives that have addressed skills gaps in both local and global markets.
Launched in 2023, Kent’s hybrid Summer School programme provides KBS alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with the Business School and join the latest discussions around current business issues. The initiative is building a supportive community founded on genuine friendships and respect, harnessing the joy of learning and ultimately, up-skilling Kent alumni with skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen careers.
The award was presented at a gala ceremony at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, attended by more than 200 business school leaders with category finalists, judges and members of the media.
Amongst those also recognised was Kent MBA student and dedicated NHS professional, Caroline Knott, who came ‘Highly Commended’ for the AMBA Student of the Year Award. Caroline is a Queens Nurse with 29 years’ experience of clinical work under her belt. After 21 years as a Bladder and Bowel Specialist Nurse, she was seconded to lead the operations involved in the implementation of a new electronic patient record in 2020. With ambitions to progress into other strategic roles in the NHS, she chose to study an MBA at Kent to develop her strategic skills further.
Kent’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Georgina Randsley De Moura, also attended the awards ceremony after having been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Leadership Award in honour of her contribution to higher education following her graduation from Kent Business School’s MBA programme in 2016.
David Williams, Director of Academic Development at Kent Business School, said: ‘The Alumni Summer School perfectly illustrates KBS’ commitment to delivering outstanding education to, and providing continuing development opportunities for, mature learners. We are immensely proud of the MBA alumni, students, and academic and professional staff who come together to make the Summer School a success each year, and we are grateful to AMBA for their recognition of the high standards we aspire to maintain on the course.’
Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of AMBA and BGA said: ‘This year, the competition was stronger than ever – with the highest number of entries ever. The entries who have made the final shortlist in each category should feel proud of their achievements. Additionally, the students and graduates who have been shortlisted as finalists today have all used their qualifications to achieve a spectrum of impressive results, in terms of the positive impact they have made to business, education and society as a whole.’