Meet our students
Courtney Lacey, BSc Oral Health Science (with distinction)
In 2023, Courtney Lacey, from Stoke-on-Trent, won the UHI Inverness Higher Education Student of the Year Award for completing her second year with flying colours after putting in extra hours to finish her coursework while undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Courtney was diagnosed in early 2023 and underwent 16 infusions of intensive chemotherapy. She found out she was in remission later that year and returned to her studies.
Courtney said: “I am so lucky to have studied at UHI Inverness. The course has been so well-organised, and we were allowed to do lectures via video calls — this meant that I only had to go up to Scotland for clinical skills sessions and to see patients.
“The Programme Director Gillian was extremely supportive throughout and nothing was too much trouble for her. Similarly, the tutors and module leaders have only ever been an email away. They are so helpful and want us to be successful. I am truly grateful for my experience at this university and have already recommended it to peers interested in becoming a dental therapist!”
Courtney is now working autonomously as a dental therapist in the practice where she used to work as a dental nurse.
She said: “I carry out examinations, diagnose, and provide treatment within my scope of practice. I also work at a second practice where I mainly carry out treatments under the referral of the dentists, and sometimes see patients under direct access there too. Every week, I am evolving and learning so much. I appreciate the clinical discussions with my colleagues and their ongoing support as I start to gain experience as a clinician in practice."
Linda-Anne Cassels-MacGregor, Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy DipHE
Linda-Anne Cassels-MacGregor (57) from Inverness says it has been an honour to work with the vulnerable children she has supported in various roles over the last 15 years.
She has now graduated with a Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and hopes to progress to working with children in a bespoke counselling service for young survivors.
A support worker for Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland, Linda-Anne is now studying a certificate in Child and Young People Counselling at the University of Strathclyde.
She said: “Our diploma at UHI Inverness began in September 2019 with a most wonderful supportive class of fellow students, and on 23 March 2020 our journey changed dramatically, but through the support from our tutors and each other we came through the challenges presented by Covid-19.
“I found our tutors at UHI Inverness to be highly supportive, nurturing and this gave us a sense of being valued as their students. We were encouraged to be curious learners, finding our own way with developing our skills and practice. The course facilitated my recognition of my individual skills and way of being, giving me the confidence and competence to change my role.”
Keyleigh MacIver, BSc Nursing (Adult) | Further Education Student of the Year
Keyleigh (36) from the Black Isle, is a mum of two and manages the books for her partner’s electrical contracting business while working as a health care assistant for Marie Curie Nursing Service.
Keyleigh, who has ambitions to be a palliative care nurse, said: “I am currently studying the BSc Nursing (Adult) programme which is going well. Completing the Access to Nursing course was the best step to prepare me for the next three years of study and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who thinks they are not ‘academic’ enough for university. They will soon prove themselves wrong and realise their huge potential!
“I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment and pride just being nominated by my lecturers, let alone winning FE Student of the Year. When I heard I had won the award I was humbled and speechless, some will definitely say that's out of character for me! Winning for me has really confirmed my potential, the potential that I didn't believe I had since I left school at 15. I am so pleased to have completed the course, as it has given me the confidence and spark to progress onto the BSc programme.”
Her lecturer Chris Lemon said: “From the beginning of the course, Keyleigh has stood out with her eagerness to learn and her desire to draw from her experience. She is clearly thinking about her role as a nurse and developing a professional awareness and responsibility that you would expect from someone far further down the journey to become a nurse. Without fail Keyleigh was keen to be prepared for every subject well in advanced of time and has an enquiring mind that makes learning and teaching so much more rewarding.”
Zoe Field, HNC Social Services
Zoe Field (35) from Dingwall was living in a women’s refuge with two children and pregnant with her third when she decided she wanted to become a support worker to help other female victims of domestic abuse. Her long journey to building up her life led to her studying at UHI Inverness.
Zoe, who studied a HNC in Social Services, is now working as a Relief Drug and Alcohol Support Worker in Beechwood House in Inverness, where she did her student placement.
She said: “The atmosphere is very relaxed around UHI Inverness, and I enjoyed integrating with others. There was support readily available when and if you needed it. When I started my student placement I was able to apply the theory into practice. I enjoyed every minute of it, so much so, I applied for a job there after finishing my placement. I am also in contact with Women's Aid hoping to obtain a job with them when one comes available.”
Kerry Richardson, CPD Level 9 - Leading and Managing Care Services
Graduate Kerry Richardson studied a CPD level 9 Leading and Managing Care Services online while working full-time as the Inverness Resettlement Programme Manager at The Salvation Army. Kerry, whose role is to help people settle in permanent accommodation, really enjoyed the course and says it will help her progress in her career.
“While working full time and accepting a new responsibility role and promotion within the Salvation Army, I began to study for this qualification, having previously completed my Personal Development award in supervision,” said Kerry (46).
“Using my new role and extensive previous experience in the care sector, I immersed myself in the training and study required to successfully complete this course. Although I have worked in the care sector for many years, the course material enabled me to reflect upon my own personal practice and this heightened my awareness of my own core values.”