Professor honoured for Armed Forces commitment
ARU’s Michael Almond has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list
Professor Michael Almond, left, with ARU's Vice Chancellor Professor Roderick Watkins
An Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) emeritus professor who has provided unwavering commitment to Armed Forces service personnel, military veterans and their families for more than 40 years has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Professor Michael Almond joined ARU in 2018 as Professor of Veterans and Families Studies, initially supporting the Veterans and Families Research Centre Hub. The hub was designed to make academic research more accessible, so it could be applied practically by organisations that support veterans and their families.
He subsequently became the Armed Forces Engagement Lead for ARU and has been instrumental in leading the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant within the university.
Professor Almond served as an RAF reservist from 1977 until 2021. His most recent deployment was in 2018 to South Sudan, where he supported the United Nations in their mission to support social and economic development and consolidate peace.
His last position in the RAF was as SO1 Med Reserve, supporting the policy, manning and deployment of the RAF Reserves medical component.
Professor Almond was awarded the MBE for services to Service Personnel and Veterans in his roles as Professor of Veterans and Families Studies at ARU and chair of Essex Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association.
He also sits on the Essex County Council Civilian Military Partnership Board.
“I am delighted to work and volunteer in organisations that generate an environment that encourages colleagues to make a difference. That ARU and Essex Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association are both recognised is wonderful as I feel the link between these two organisations is something of which we can be proud.”
Professor Michael AlmondThe New Year Honours List for 2026 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.
MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. An individual may be appointed an MBE for an outstanding achievement or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact.