Harper Adams shortlisted for three national university leadership awards

Posted 17 April 2014

Harper Adams University has been shortlisted for three national awards celebrating excellence in university leadership and management. 

The University is a finalist in the Outstanding International Strategy, Outstanding Fundraising Initiative and Outstanding Student Admissions Team categories of the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2014. 

Category shortlists are published in today’s Times Higher Education magazine (April 17) and the winners will be revealed at a gala dinner in London in June. 

Commenting on the announcement, Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, said: "These prestigious national awards recognise the excellent contributions made by our staff to the effective operation of the University.

“There are more than 160 higher education institutions in the UK, and to have reached the shortlist in any of the 16 award categories would have been superb news for the University. To have been shortlisted in three categories is therefore a magnificent achievement, reflecting the high quality of our work across a broad range of our activities.  It underlines the important role we play in providing higher in rural sectors and communities across the UK and internationally.”

Harper Adams adopted a new internationalisation strategy in 2012 that progressed significantly in 2013. The university aimed to develop partnerships in key international agricultural economies and new links with prestigious international universities and global corporations. It now has strong ties to countries including China, Japan, the USA, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Zambia.

The Harper Adams University Development Trust, which raises funds to improve student experience and is managed by the equivalent of fewer than two full-time staff members, has seen scholarships sponsorship rise from £17,500 in 2006 to £223,000 in 2014. 

The Trust, the work of which is directly supported by the Vice-Chancellor, other Trustees, the University Secretary and by other members of academic and support staff, has also raised £2.6million in the same time period, towards capital developments at the campus near Newport in Shropshire. 

Student admissions at Harper Adams University are managed by a central team that works closely with course tutors and offices for learner support, international students and student services. These staff are assisted by student ambassadors, coordinated through the marketing team.  

Unlike some universities, Harper Adams continues to invest in inviting all candidates to visit the campus, meet staff and students and have a one-to-one meeting to discuss our courses and each applicant’s interests, personal strengths and aspirations. These Interview Days mark the beginning of a longer term engagement with the Harper Adams community.