Ashley Gregory

Halesowen Student Stands Out with Prestigious Academic Scholarship Award 

A Fine Art student from Halesowen hopes to start her own business after scooping a prestigious Academic Scholarship Award. 

Ashley Gregory, 22, received £1,000 at a recent ceremony celebrating academic excellence at the University of Worcester. 

“This prize will really help me by going towards funding my own business after graduation,” she said. “I’m really proud of myself for getting the prize, I was very surprised to win it!” 

Ashley said she chose Worcester as it would help her study art in her own way. “I felt the course here at Worcester would allow me to really explore my artistic process and ideas. I also love getting my own studio space, which you don’t always get at other universities.” 

Ashley has already experienced success because of her hard work. “The connections that I’ve made with the staff and the technicians at the University really gave me the confidence to organise and execute my own solo exhibition last year,” she said. 

She added: “The biggest challenge has been not having enough time to bring all my ideas to life; I wish the year was longer!” 

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at the University, said: 

“We are incredibly proud of the students who have received academic scholarships.” 

The scholarships and prizes are made possible thanks to generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers, and many successful alumni. 

University staff have also been fundraising for scholarship and hardship funds as part of the University’s two-year Anniversaries Campaign, which marks 20 years since gaining full university status in 2005 and 80 years since its founding as an emergency teacher training college in 1946. 

Professor Moyle added: “These awards not only provide financial support and encouragement to deserving students but also demonstrate to potential employers the outstanding achievements of our student community.”