Carol Leeming MBE FRSA receives Honorary Doctorate from Loughborough University

In recognition for her continuous efforts to raise awareness for culturally diverse groups, the visionary Carol Leeming received an honorary doctorate from Loughborough University. From establishing Dare to Diva to her outstanding choreopoetry, Carol Leeming is not a stranger to the arts and culture scene locally in Leicester, nationally and internationally. This, however is still barely scratching the surface of her achievements.

Upon receiving this recognition, she said: “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition from Loughborough University — a space where I’ve felt welcomed, respected and valued as both an artist and cultural thinker. This doctorate is not just a personal milestone, but a tribute to the many communities, collaborators, and cultural workers who’ve supported my journey. As someone born and raised in Leicester to African Caribbean parents, my life and work are rooted in the lived experiences of my community — our beauty, our struggles, our innovation. Whether composing music, performing poetry, directing theatre, or working in heritage and education, my focus has always been to centre the voices too often left unheard, and to create space for bold, authentic expression.
I hope this recognition encourages emerging artists — especially those from the Global Majority,
LGBTQ+, working-class, and disabled communities — to know that their stories matter, and that they too can shape culture, policy, and public life.”

We celebrate our own- Carol Leeming!