Celebrating International Women’s Day – Julie Spencer MBE

Julie Spencer MBE is Head of Student Wellbeing and Deputy Director of Student Services. In December 2023, she was named in the New Year’s Honours List and was awarded an MBE for her services to education. Julie has been a colleague here at the University of Lincoln for 23 years and during that time helped countless students achieve their potential.

Julie and her team have been responsible for sector-leading projects to support students before they join the University and beyond their stay at Lincoln. These have included the commissioning of a full-time dedicated University Police Officer, and a Sexual and Domestic Abuse Advisor working within the Student Wellbeing team. Julie has also worked with regional partners and teams across the University including Lincoln Students’ Union to pro-actively tackle drink spiking, and her work in this area has been replicated across the country at other universities. 

Julie believes that International Women’s Day is about strength, resilience and determination.

She said: “As women together, we can create a world where every woman can thrive and succeed.  It means I am always enough.  

“Throughout my life I have always been surrounded by strong, successful women,  who have shown me determination,  resilience, and support, which in turn has made it possible to overcome challenges and achieve great things.  

“They have taught me to stand up for what I believe in.”

What advice would Julie give to women starting their careers right now?

“My advice would be to be your authentic self, be motivated and follow your dreams, push those boundaries, your potential is limitless!”

International Women’s Day is all about creating a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.

Find out more here: International Women’s Day 2025