A DEDICATED college principal from Bookham has been recognised in the New Year's Honours list.
Lower Road resident Sunaina Mann was appointed an OBE for services to further education after seven years as principal at the North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) in Epsom.
The mother of one – the first Asian woman principal at a British further education college – told the Advertiser the honour was a 'complete shock'.
Mrs Mann, 50, said: "I got the letter a couple of weeks ago and had to read it twice because you don't normally get this sort of thing until your 60s or 70s.
"It has been very difficult because I was told in strictest confidence, but now I can let my family know.
"It was a complete surprise and very gratifying."
Mrs Mann came to the UK from New Delhi, India, in 1966, settling in Wolverhampton with her parents and two sisters.
She lectured at colleges in London, Exeter and the Midlands before taking over at Nescot after it was placed in special measures in 2005.
Within five years Ofsted rated it outstanding in several areas.
Mrs Mann paid tribute to the support of staff and governors at Nescot and her 'inspirational' mother, adding: "I have been extremely lucky to have such a supportive husband, Jaswinder, and daughter, Seeta, who have relocated a number of times without complaint and who have been steadfast in their support for my career."
