Deb Millar, the executive director of digital transformation at Hull College, has been appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year's Honours List. The honour recognises her exceptional and sustained services to education over a career spanning more than 35 years.
A Transformational Force in Further Education
Known affectionately across Hull College as 'DigiDeb', Millar is widely regarded as one of the country's most impactful digital education leaders. Her work over the past three years has been transformative, positioning the college as a sector leader in digital innovation, AI adoption, and accessibility.
Within her first 24 months at the institution, she spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation programme. This initiative delivered AI training for hundreds of staff, launched dedicated AI academies, and modernised the college's digital learning environments, library services, and online resources.
National Recognition for Ethical Technology and Inclusion
Under Millar's leadership, Hull College has earned national acclaim on multiple occasions for its ethical approach to educational technology. In November, the college received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education. This award acknowledged its pioneering support for asylum seekers, neurodivergent learners, and students with disabilities through AI-enabled accessibility solutions.
Her commitment to digital inclusion proved pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic. Millar played a key role in the Government's EdTech Demonstrator Programme, helping hundreds of schools and colleges nationwide establish effective digital learning. Her efforts secured digital access for tens of thousands of students and helped embed long-term digital resilience across the sector.
From Underdog to Award-Winning Innovator
Despite her national reputation, Millar credits her success to her roots and personal challenges. Proudly from Darwen in Lancashire, she speaks openly about having undiagnosed dyslexia and being underestimated by teachers. "One of my teachers once told my parents not to expect much from me," she recalled.
"That's why receiving an OBE feels so powerful - it proves that where you start doesn't have to determine where you end up," Millar said. "I hope people who feel like the underdog can look at this and think: 'People like me can achieve things like this'."
Her career includes senior digital leadership roles at Grimsby Institute/TEC Partnership, Salford City College, and Blackburn College, alongside over 23 years of teaching. She is also an international keynote speaker and author of more than 20 influential publications on digital education.
Principal and CEO Debra Gray CBE said: "Deb has changed the way Hull College thinks, works, and teaches. Her leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary, and this honour reflects the impact she has had on our college and the wider education sector."
Beyond her college role, Millar continues to drive large-scale AI and digital transformation, with her work estimated to have reached a quarter of a million students. She supports colleges, SMEs, and public-sector organisations to embed AI ethically into teaching and operations, ensuring no learner is left behind in the digital age.
