At last – there’s a doctor in the house

In this last week I finally made it through the absolutely very last stage of the process and officially became a doctor. And not just any old doctor – a prize winning one to boot.

The ceremony was held at the Assembly Rooms in Bath, with drinks afterwards at the Pump Room. Being a Jane Austen fan this added another sparkle of enjoyment to the day. On my way to collect my robes I was able to admire the chandeliers, indulge in the Georgian atmosphere, and secretly identify exactly where key Austen moments might have occurred.

I have attended many graduation ceremonies as part of the academic staff at my own institution, and am always disappointed in my very dull black gown with blue trim that represents my UCL LLM. Imagine my delight when I discovered the colours for my DBA at Bath: green, red and gold, with a floppy black hat and silver tassel. As vivid as an Australian parrot!

In my parrot outfit in the entrance to the Bath Assembly Rooms – at precisely the spot where I think Anne Elliot bravely greeted Captain Wentworth, defying the cold disapproval of her father and sister

My Dad flew out from Australia especially for the graduation – though escaping the horrific bushfires of a climate-change-denying nation may have added an extra incentive for the visit…(note to self: we should always be grateful for our rain…)

Celebrating with family in the rain – Dad on the left travelled 10,000 miles and hubby on the right wore a three piece suit – equal effort from each

The security check

The day began with observing the last stages of the security check – this took over two hours. Armed policemen moved around in packs, accompanied by a wriggly sniffer dog. They used tiny torches to check the edges around every piece of furniture, especially the lectern. I wondered if it was because it was the Assembly Rooms – could that be a high profile target? An unruly mob of anti-Janeites perhaps? Surely not.

I asked about it and was told it was because the vice chancellor was coming.

“Really?” I said doubtfully. “Is he that disliked?” If so I was privately thinking maybe he shouldn’t come and put everyone else in danger.

One lady offered an explanation, “Well you know there have been strikes, so there is a lot of unrest.”

“But that’s just the trains,” I said.

“No, no. The academics are on strike all over the country”.

OK I know the country is going through a rough patch at the moment. But I don’t believe for a second that we’ve reached a stage where UK academics are going to blow up vice chancellors that annoy them. They might lash out with a critical blog in the Guardian, or refuse to attend a committee meeting, but seriously – a physical threat??

Then a fellow DBA graduate explained – the Chancellor of the University of Bath – Prince Edward – was expected later that day. In fact she was very disappointed he wasn’t going to be at our ceremony, as she confessed she had a penchant for minor royals.

Well that was a relief – both that it was nothing to do with the vice chancellor or striking academics, and that Ed wasn’t going to be at my ceremony. But in the meantime it provided lots of entertainment during the first part of the morning while waiting for everyone to arrive and get robed up.

The ceremony

The ceremony began at 10am, was over by 11am, and was heavily symbolic. My second favourite bit was the entrance of a very tall man in a very large fez cap made of caramel coloured fur, who also carried a couple of maces that had their own special seat (not sure how they got past security).

My favourite bit was the special little extra ceremony for the small number of doctoral graduates like me. Firstly we had to remove our hoods and drape them over our left arms. We then went on to the stage one at a time, and a member of the academic procession took our hoods and draped them over our heads (being dressed by them in the doctoral colours you see). Then we had to bow to another member of the procession who tapped us on the head three times with a mortar board. All this signifies our doctorate has been conferred and that we are now entitled to wear the full outfit and hat. Quirky.

The chap with the white gloves draped my golden hood over me, and the chap I’m talking to is just about to bop me on the head thrice with a mortar board – he’s actually asking me if I’m pleased about the prize and asking me to wait till the applause stops

The prize

And it turns out I won a prize (jointly) – the Richard and Shirley Mawditt prize for outstanding performance on the DBA.

This award was conferred by the Doctoral Board of Studies who commented:

“Both winners … have produced theses which explore in great depth different aspects of the relationship between business and higher education, which is central to the mission of the programme.

Roxanne Stockwell’s research into the experience of first job application and selection processes of business school graduates draws upon and makes a significant contribution to signalling theory … Both theses are notable in their attention to complexity and the sophistication of their analysis of contemporary issues in higher education, as demonstrated in both written theses and viva examinations.”

Richard Mawditt himself awarding the prize. Apparently Richard started the DBA programme, and the ICHEM Department, and was even part of the team that started the University of Bath.

The champagne

Rather chuffed.

Dr Rox

7 Replies to “At last – there’s a doctor in the house”

  1. Congratulations Doctor Stockwell! It has a lovely ring to it don’t you think? My Sister, am so proud of you! Mum is positively glowing! I can feel her!! You worked so hard, now it’s time to relax and pat yourself on the back! Congratulations from all of us!! Love you!! Xxxx ♥️♥️♥️♥️

  2. Roxy you look resplendent and Gaz’s 3 piece tones perfectly with you. Perfectly turned out all of you. I hope you and gaz took a turn about the assembly room in true Austen tradition. I am ridiculously proud of you – your hard work, your smarts, and your willingness to think hard and write something worth reading. Now onwards! Love shaz and the rest

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