University of Staffordshire alumnus Nathan Heaney is a professional boxer and a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health who has willingly shared his journey of failure, personal tragedy, resilience and finding the spirit to fight on.
Born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, where he still lives, he has been a competitive boxer for more than two decades and recently created history by becoming British Middleweight Champion.
Nathan graduated from University of Staffordshire with a Sports Science degree and a Foundation Law degree with the intention of becoming a teacher. Although he taught for a time at Stafford College he made his boxing comeback as a professional seven years ago, earning himself the nickname “Hitman” for his hard-hitting style.
Nathan has a significant local fanbase and makes it his mission to hand deliver tickets to his army of supporters. A diehard fan of his beloved Stoke City Football Club, his ambition is to target a world title fight at the club’s bet365 Stadium.
He is also a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health – a subject very close to his heart.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) is bestowed upon Nathan in recognition of his status as a hugely inspiring figure who has overcome many difficulties in achieving his status as boxing champion. Overcoming personal struggles, he rose through the ranks in the boxing world. With an enormous fanbase, he continually inspires younger people to reach their goals. After walking away from the ring and becoming a teacher at Stafford College, his students motivated him to return to boxing.
The award acknowledges that Nathan is regarded as a sporting hero, a mental health champion and an ambassador for his home city of Stoke-on-Trent and the county of Staffordshire.