A special tribute was paid to Revd Jan Knott when she was given an Honorary Fellowship by Bath Spa University in recognition for her years of service as University Chaplain. Jan, who had a connection as chaplain with the university since 1999, said she was overwhelmed when she was told she was to receive the fellowship, but feels very honoured to have been given such a special accolade. She said, ‘I feel so humbled. It is a very special thing and also a wonderful recognition of God and of women’s ministry.’
Mike Haslam, Chaplaincy Adviser for Bath and Wells, said, ‘This is a great and rare honour and not something often awarded by universities to any retiring staff.’
Before she retired Jan had been on campus each week at the University for around 15 years, ‘At BSU there were various initiatives to get up and running and I became adept in the art of loitering, engaging with students, staff and visitors. It was quite some job, but I loved it.’ But Covid restrictions prevented Jan from having the farewell she hoped for and when the Vice Chancellor asked her to pop in for an afternoon tea, she thought it was going to be just that. Little did Jan know they wanted to also tell her about the fellowship to thank her for all that she had done for the University, its students and staff.
Jan, who has always championed women’s ministry in the Church of England, was ordained in 1994. Since then she has served in parishes, as a school chaplain, as an area dean, and was given a seat at Wells Cathedral. She says she 'Took on various responsibilities where women needed to be'. Her last full–time post was as Rector of Farmborough, Marksbury and Stanton Prior with 3 Churches and 2 Schools, and at the same time she was Chaplain in Bath Spa University. She’s not stopped yet, Jan’s become what she terms ‘a supply vicar’ going wherever she is needed.