Inverness College UHI staff win top student awards
FOUR members of staff at Inverness College UHI have been recognised in the annual Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Awards.
The awards are voted on by students and cover all 13 colleges within the University of the Highlands and Islands network.
Inverness College UHI took four of the 13 staff awards, with psychology lecturer Matt Sillars named Outstanding Lecturer of the Year by the student body, which represents the interests of around 47,000 students. Motor vehicle engineering lecturer Thomas Garnham was named Most Inspiring Lecturer of the Year.
Also taking awards were business, accounting and administration lecturer Tara Morrison, who was named Most Engaging Online Tutor for the fourth year in a row. Education lecturer Judith Munro, who only started at Inverness College UHI last September, was named Best Personal Academic Tutor.
Student Sheila Bowie, who has just completed the BA Childhood Practice course, was also named Best Class Representative by HISA.
Thirty members of staff at Inverness College UHI were nominated and 10 staff were Highly Commended in the excellence awards, which are now in their eighth year.
Matt was described by students as “inspiring”, “amazing,” “encouraging,” and a lecturer who is “always there for his students.” In nominating him, one student wrote: “He goes out of his way to inspire his students with confidence.” Another said: “He has supported me with balancing my studies with my home life as a carer, and when I received a medical diagnosis, he was fantastic at putting support in place to allow me to continue with my course. I would not have been able to continue on the degree if it wasn’t for his support.”
Thomas was nominated by a female student, who admitted being nervous about starting the Access to Motor Vehicle course at the start of the academic year. Words used to describe him include “open-minded,” “treats everybody equally”, “always tries to bring the best out in students,” “motivational”, and someone who “always goes the extra mile” to help students reach their full potential.
The student wrote: “Thomas really made my time at college and I wouldn't have been able to succeed as much as I did if he hadn't of pushed me and helped me. I have learnt so much more than car mechanics from him and I am eternally grateful for the knowledge, confidence, life changing outlook, views and opportunities that life has to offer and the kindness, consideration and patience that people can show. No one is more deserving of this award and although it doesn't match up to everything that he has done for me and my fellow classmates, I would love to repay back some of the kindness that he consistently showed me over the time that I spent in college.”
Judith, who will lead on the college’s new Secondary Teaching PGDE, which starts in August, was named Personal Academic Tutor of the Year. In particular, she was praised for her “advice and support” to students on the current Primary Teaching PGDE. “She is the indispensable face of our course,” one student wrote. “Her advice has been pointed, relevant and relentlessly positive. She is the dispensable face of our course.”
Business, accounting and administration lecturer Tara Morrison was named Most Engaging Online Tutor. Students described her as “helpful”, “enthusiastic,” “approachable” and “generous with her time.” “She has gone the extra mile for me and the rest of the class,” one student wrote. “Her classes and lecture materials are top class. She is not only a great teacher, but also a motivator and friend to all of us students.”
Meanwhile, Sheila, who works as an early years practitioner at Crown nursery and will graduate in September after completing the BA Childhood Practice course on-line, was praised by her fellow students for providing support and guidance, which included setting up a Facebook page for students on the course.
The University of the Highlands and Islands was one of the first UK institutions to introduce student-led teaching awards.
Roddy Henry, acting principal for Inverness College UHI, said: “There was a record number of nominations for the awards this year so we are extremely proud to have so many teaching staff at Inverness College UHI recognised in this way. It is particularly special because these nominations have come from the people who matter the most, our students, and it is wonderful to hear about the impact our staff have had on them in terms of the excellent teaching and support they provide. Some of the comments have been truly moving.”
Holly Scrimgeour, president of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, said: “The HISA Awards are an excellent opportunity for our students to celebrate the people who have supported them throughout their studies and reward them for their efforts and contributions to university life. Our lecturers and support staff are vital to the student experience during study and these awards allow us an insight into who is going above and beyond to positively benefit our student population. The nominations are a delight to read. The HISA Awards also acknowledge our class representatives and clubs and societies ensuring that we celebrate those students who give their time and support to their classmates. It is an honour to give these awards.”
Inverness College UHI staff who were Highly Commended:
Business, accounting and administration lecturer Catherine Cowan (Most Inspiring Lecturer), forestry lecturer Judith Webb (Most Inspiring Lecturer), computing and digital technology lecturer Stephen Duncan (Most Inspiring Lecturer), psychology lecturer Matt Sillars (Most Inspiring Lecturer), business, accounting, and administration lecturer Tara Morrison (Most Inspiring Lecturer), English/literature lecturer Dr Kristin Lindfield-Ott (Most Inspiring Lecturer/Most Engaging Video Conference Tutor/Best Engagement with the Student Voice - Staff), psychology lecturer Eleanor Rutherford (Most Engaging Online Tutor), education lecturer Alice Mongiello (Most Engaging Online Tutor), English/literature lecturer Dr Ian Blyth (Best Assessment Feedback), business, accounting and administration lecturer Tim Meredith (Best Assessment Feedback).