Staff recognised for excellent practice

Posted 5 November 2012

Harper Adams University College Principal Dr David Llewellyn today made presentations to the six winners of the Aspire Excellence Awards 2012. 

The awards are made to recognise reward staff who demonstrate excellence in their teaching, assessment, guidance or support for those who contribute to the wider student experience, and each winner receives a £500 prize. Nominations are made by colleagues and students.

The 2012 winners are:

For “Excellent Practice”:

Anne Taylor, from the Food Science and Agri-food Supply Chain Management Department. Anne was nominated for excellence in teaching with innovative approaches and ever-present enthusiasm. Anne was recognised for her engaging approaches used with students, particularly with reference to technology and new case materials. 

Matthew Back, from the Crop and Environment Sciences Department.  Matt was nominated by a student for consistently supporting students. Matt’s nomination noted his effective and dependable support for students which is proactive and informed by up to date research and ideas. Matt is always sympathetic to student needs. His support for students across all academic levels was highlighted. 

For “Developing and Sharing Excellence”:

Rebecca Payne, from the Land, Farm and Agribusiness Management Department. Rebecca was nominated for sharing and modelling innovative practice in all aspects of teaching. Rebecca has been nominated by a number of colleagues for both excellent practice and for encouraging others in creative approaches to teaching and particularly around the use of technology. 

Carl Kennard, from Information Services. Carl was nominated by colleagues for his role in supporting e-assessment and online marking. Carl has patiently provided one-to-one support to many colleagues over the last year and has been central to work in this area. Carl has researched these topics externally allowing the College to benefit from practice elsewhere, and he has also disseminated our early experiences at conference events. 

For the “Wider Student Experience”:

Pam Thompson, from Learning & Teaching Support Services Pam was nominated for offering an excellent support to international students, particularly for her pro-active role in establishing the Planet Harper society and a range of other social events – including come dine with me. Pam’s innovative work has made a direct impact on the services available to international students. She is approachable and personable and has worked to ensure our international students are supported. 

Scott Kirby, Manager of the Harper Adams Farm. Scott’s award can be summed up by saying he was recognised by others for going beyond the call of duty in ensuring students are supported in their use of the farm. Scott has routinely enabled students to make the most of the farm facilities in a way which complements their studies.  

Congratulations to all the winners!