News Beat
Proud Laura Woods gets emotional as TNT Sports presenter is awarded honorary doctorate
SPORTS presenter Laura Woods was presented with an honorary doctorate at Kingston University.
Woods, 38, graduated with a BA (Hons) in print journalism from KU in 2008 before embarking in a career in sports journalism that saw her working for the likes of Sky Sports, talkSPORT and now TNT Sports.
The TV host returned to her old stomping grounds on Thursday where everything began for a special honour.
The journalist participated in Kingston‘s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony.
Woods took her place on stage where she was presented with an honorary doctorate from the School of Arts and School of Creative and Cultural Industries.
The presenter earned the recognition for her work in journalism and her efforts to promote women in sports.
The TNT Sports host got emotional as she received her honour in front of Kingston’s graduates and her family.
The multi-award-winning journalist’s fiance and former Love Island star Adam Collard was in attendance with their baby boy Leo.
Kingston’s Head of the Department of Journalism Beth Brewster sang her praises on social media as they took a selfie.
Brewster posted: “Gave this legend an honorary doctorate today. So proud Dr Laura Woods.”
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The head of department also said before presenting her with the title of Dr: “I remember teaching Laura as a student full of energy, enthusiasm and real drive, and it’s been such a thrill to watch her career grow.
“Seeing her again now, and celebrating this truly well-deserved honour, makes me incredibly proud. She’s achieved so much and this recognition couldn’t be more fitting.”
An emotional Woods then took to the podium and addressed the graduates as well as their families telling them the secret to her success.
She said: “Always work hard but always be authentic, you really are the only person that can do you and do it well.
“You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s the only way you can grow, so trust in yourself and be bold, brave and unapologetic.”
Kingston has produced some of the best journalists in the country in recent years.
That includes the likes of Jamal Osman, Mashaal Mir, Zia Weise, Ollie Gillman, Joe Stanley-Smith, Barbara Tasch, Catarina Demony and many more.
