A university professor who set up a public speaking club for students who stammer received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Professor Deborah Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at London South Bank University (LSBU), said the “misunderstood condition” could knock students’ confidence and oral test results.
An estimated 1 to 3 per cent of the population stammer meaning thousands of LSBU students could be affected.
Professor Johnson’s work also included creating a guide advising universities on how to help stammering students.
The Professor of Development Economics said: “Stammering is a misunderstood condition and I am determined to ensure students who stammer are able to benefit from the life-changing opportunities that university offers them.”