Student Choice Awards 2026 celebrate the best in learning and teaching support

An annual awards ceremony to celebrate excellent learning and teaching support has been held at Harper Adams University.

The awards are shaped by student nominations and are made annually as part of the University’s annual Learning and Teaching Conference.

The awards are coordinated by the Harper Adams Students’ Union.

Current President, Luke Smith, said: “What makes the Student Choice Awards really special is that the nominations come straight from students.

“It’s a great opportunity to shout out to staff who’ve supported, mentored, and encouraged students, making their time at Harper Adams memorable.

“Every nomination is a little story of someone making a real difference, and we’re chuffed to be celebrating those moments this week.”

Harper Adams Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Lydia Arnold added: “Students praised award winners for qualities including collaboration, innovation, sustainability leadership, outstanding teaching, constructive feedback, dedication to student wellbeing and the positive impact they make across the University community.

“Every winner – and everyone nominated – should be proud of their success.”

Luke presented the awards alongside Students' Union Director Michael Gale, and the full list of winners – and why they were nominated – can be read below.

Student Collaboration Award 

Winner: Peter Barnes 

Nominations applauded Peter’s high level of support for his students. Students said they appreciated how Peter encouraged them to give their best to their courses through his persistence and fair play manner. He always engages and listens to the students he works with and treats them as professional collaborators.  

Exceptional Commitment to Sustainability 

Winner: Lucy Crockford 

Lucy received this award for going above and beyond in her hands-on, practical advocacy for sustainability. 

Be it promoting issues on social media, working with schools, community groups and charities or working with students to build ponds for local schools, Lucy’s commitment to working towards and promoting sustainability is both strong and consistent. 

Course Tutor of the Year 

Winner: Hairong Mu 

In this inaugural category, Hairong received nominations from students and colleagues alike who highlighted her unwavering support, consistency and kind, clear communication which ensures that no student feels dismissed or invalid. 

Hairong makes time for each and every one of her students. Hairong was also praised for combined Christmas and Chinese New Year parties which has helped to build a sense of community and belonging amongst the students in her cohort – be they international or home students. 

Assessment and Feedback Hero 

Winner: Lucy Catley 

Nominations praised Lucy’s kind, solution-orientated feedback, citing it as a cornerstone of their personal growth and University success.  

Across a range of situations from the classroom to making ice-cream at community events, Lucy was praised for her approachable manner and her exemplary ability to consistently give calm, clear and constructive feedback in just the right way. 

Innovative Lecturer of the Year 

Winner: Paul O’Hagan

It sounds like Paul’s lectures really left an impression on students!  Paul was applauded for his high level of enthusiasm, passion and knowledge that he brings to each and every lecture.  

Multiple nominations talked about how Paul makes learning fun through amazing interactive lectures which incorporate practical, real-world examples into the classroom and enhance student understanding from lectures with practical tutorial sessions.  

Student Support Champion 

Winner: Kat Hart 

Kat was chosen for this award for how she inspires students through her dedication, warmth and genuine commitment to her profession.  

Kat plays an active role each student’s development, always taking the time to offer thoughtful, reassuring guidance and support. As one nomination stated, ‘Kat deserves this award for her unwavering support, accessibility, and genuine commitment to helping students succeed’.   

 Hidden Gem 

Winner: Sonya Eggerton

Students recognised the hugely important work of the housekeeping team in a number of nominations, being clear that the team support their overall experience and wellbeing.  

Sonya is the recipient of the Hidden Gem Award, as students praised her friendly and fun personality and how she goes the extra mile for them in the care and support she gives. Students notice all that she does and recognise the impact she has on lifting their spirits on a day-to-day basis.  

Excellent Teaching 

Winner: Simon Allen 

Using real world examples to back up learning in interesting lectures which encourage active participation from students, Simon maintains great engagement from students, even when out in the field. With infectious cheer and enthusiasm, Simon helps students to use their own knowledge but is also quick to offer help when students need it.  

Outstanding Colleague Award 

Winner: Linda O’Connell 

Colleagues praised Linda’s friendly and professional service, saying that she would be a great role model for anyone hoping to go into a customer facing role! Linda was also praised for her brilliant attention to detail and data management in her management of University data, strengthening the integrity and overall quality of the University’s data. As one nomination said, ‘Linda is an unsung hero, quietly and professionally making our working lives easier, and always exceeding expectations.’