The winners of 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Education Excellence Awards have now been announced after careful consideration of a number of excellent submissions.
Congratulations to Dr Alison Graham, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Dr Patrick Rosenkranz, School of Psychology and Dr Simon Tate, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology for their outstanding achievements which resulted in them winning an individual award.
A valued addition for 2018 was the introduction of the team award. Congratulations to the School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Services Team who won this all new award for their exceptional achievements when dealing with new challenges.
The winners have demonstrated a marked impact on the experience of students here at Newcastle University, with the panel commending the winners on a wide range of projects in which they have played an instrumental role. Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education highlighted the excellent achievements of all of the winners:
“The Vice-Chancellor’s Education Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to our students’ educational experience. The winners of the awards have demonstrated a sustained record of innovation and creativity in supporting students’ learning and shown exceptional dedication and commitment to support their students. Congratulations to the award winners on this well-deserved recognition.”
Among other achievements, the panel recognised the work Dr Alison Graham, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences had undertaken to shape the University approach to Peer Mentoring through her role as Chair of the Peer Mentoring Steering Group.
Dr Graham said:
“I am delighted to have received this prestigious award. In the time I have been at the University, I have always tried to find innovative ways to support students and deliver high quality teaching. I have been lucky to work with some great colleagues who share my passion for developing teaching and learning opportunities for all students. I am honoured that the University has recognised my contribution in this way and I look forward to working with future generations of students.”
The transformational impact that Dr Patrick Rosenkranz, School of Psychology had was highlighted by the panel, particularly in relation to the Psychology Employability Challenges. When notified about the award Dr Rosenkranz said:
“Psychology can be best understood when applied to real-life situations. We ask students to use their psychological literacy to create and design initiatives for people in various life circumstances. I am delighted to receive this award which recognises the need to bridge academic learning with pragmatic application.”
Dr Simon Tate, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology has demonstrated an impact at a national level through his work with the A-Level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) as well as locally through his work on the extended induction programme which was noted to have a positive impact, in particular on widening participation students.
Dr Tate said:
“I am thrilled to receive the Vice Chancellor’s Education Excellence Award in recognition of my contribution to teaching and learning at Newcastle University and nationally. As a former undergraduate and postgraduate geography student at Newcastle University, I feel particularly privileged to be able to contribute both to Geography’s long tradition of delivering outstanding teaching and to work within highly supportive School and Faculty teaching environments.”
The School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Services Team received the team award in recognition of a range of their achievements including supporting the transfer of a new School and their positive attitude during the introduction of new programmes.
Lesley Innes, School Manager and Dr Alison Gregory, Senior Teaching Technician are extremely proud of what the team has achieved. Lesley said:
“Myself and Alison are delighted that the School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Services team have received this prestigious VC’s award for Education Excellence. It is wonderful that our team’s expertise, commitment and dedication in supporting the student experience has been recognised. We feel extremely proud to be part of the School’s ongoing success”
The winners will be receiving their awards at congregation ceremonies taking place in July and will also be invited to a celebrating success event later in the year.
You can find out more about the Vice Chancellor’s Education Excellence awards on the LTDS website or by contacting LTDS@ncl.ac.uk Nominations for next year’s award will open in the spring.