Teaching Excellence Awards 2018

Staff at the University of St Andrews who have made significant contributions to teaching have been recognised at the Teaching Excellence Awards 2018.

In two separate awards – University Teaching Awards nominated by Heads of Schools, and Students’ Association Teaching Awards nominated by students – outstanding teachers were acknowledged for their dedication in supporting students through their studies.

‌The winners of the University awards, who are peer-nominated and peer-judged by academics, were:

• Dr Radoslaw Stefanski, School of Economics and Finance
• Kerry Tavakoli, English Language Teaching
• Dr Mike Kesby, School of Geography and Sustainable Development
• Dr Lucy Donaldson, School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies

The awards were presented by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Mapstone.

Senior Vice-Principal (Proctor), Professor Lorna Milne, said: “It’s an immense pleasure every year to recognise the excellent contributions to teaching at St Andrews by honouring some of our most committed and brilliant people jointly with the Students’ Association. Nominees and winners came from Schools and Units right across the University, and include several students who have made an outstanding contribution to learning and teaching.

“Our ethos of community and our collective commitment to high standards in everything we do are worth celebrating in themselves. The exceptional quality of teaching at our University is reflected in our awarding of the highest possible ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework. I’m delighted for this year’s winners and offer them my warmest congratulations.”

Meanwhile students presented awards to individuals who have helped shape their learning:

• Commitment by a Support Staff Member: Dr Fergus Knight, Saints Sport
• Dissertation/Project Supervisor: Dr Eoin McLaughlin, School of Geography and Sustainable Development
• Academic Mentorship Award: Dr Sarah Whittle, Student Services
• Outstanding Teacher Award: Dr Matthew Southern, School of Geography and Sustainable Development
• Excellent Module (Science/Medicine): Dr Antonia Wilmot-Smith, School of Mathematics and Statistics
• Excellent Module (Arts/Divinity): Dr Nicolas Wiater, School of Classics
• Innovative Teaching: Dr Nicky Allison, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Postgraduate Student who Tutors: Chris Peys, School of International Relations

Students’ Association Director of Education Zachary Davis said: “The Students’ Association Teaching Awards aim to recognise and reward excellent teaching and dedication to improving the student learning experience at St Andrews.

“Every staff member who was nominated for one of the awards has inspired the students whom they have encountered this year. They embody everything which we value and appreciate about the University of St Andrews and we are delighted to commend the winners and thank them for their continued dedication to their students.”

‌The Proctor’s Award, given to a student who has made a particular contribution to enhancing learning and teaching, went to Ellen White for her outstanding contribution as School President in the School of English.

Captions

Principal and award winners (top): Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Mapstone with Senior Vice-Principal (Proctor), Professor Lorna Milne, and all Teaching Excellent Award Winners 2018

Teaching Staff Awards (middle)

Back row: Dr Radoslaw Stefanski, School of Economics and Finance, Dr Mike Kesby, School of Geography and Sustainable Development

Front row: Dr Lucy Donaldson, School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies, Kerry Tavakoli, English Language Teaching

Proctor’s Award (bottom, L-R): Senior Vice-Principal (Proctor), Professor Lorna Milne, winner Ellen White, Students’ Association Director of Education Zachary Davis

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office. Contact Christine Tudhope on 01334 467 320 / 07526 624 243 or [email protected].