Model and fashion icon Erin O'Connor said she "can't wait to come home" as she prepares to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University.
Ms O'Connor, who was born and raised in Walsall, began her career in modelling after she was spotted by a talent scout during a school visit to the Clothes Show.
She quickly rose to stardom and is now recognised as one of the UK's most prolific supermodels.
BCU is set to award her an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the fashion industry.
She said: "I am truly honoured to become the recipient of such a generous accolade and also humbled to have been chosen by a university that is not only close to my heart but held in the highest regard across the board.
"I can't wait to come home for the big day and have the privilege of being among some of our finest educators and of course our country's future creative leaders."
With a career spanning more than 15 years, Ms O'Connor has worked with many famous designers including Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren.
She has appeared on numerous magazine front covers and been the face of advertising campaigns for Chanel, Armani and Marks & Spencer.
Commenting on the decision to recognise her achievements, the university's vice-chancellor Prof Cliff Allan said: "We are extremely excited to welcome Erin back to Birmingham and to the university.
"As an institution which prides itself on creating the next generation of fashion designers and industry leaders, Erin's career and the mark she has made on the fashion industry is truly inspirational to many of our students which is why we are giving her this award. We look forward to welcoming her."
Away from the catwalk, Ms O'Connor has appeared in several documentaries on TV and radio, drawing on her experiences in fashion and mentoring the next generation of aspiring models.
She is also co-founder of the award-winning 'All Walks Beyond the Catwalk' initiative, working with influential catwalk designers and top industry creatives to celebrate greater diversity within the fashion industry.
Ms O'Connor will receive her honorary doctorate on September 4 during a ceremony held at the city's Symphony Hall and will be presented with the award alongside students graduating from the university's schools of fashion, textiles and 3D design and visual communication.
