Local University of the Highlands and Islands staff and students recognised in student awards
NAFC Marine Centre UHI and Shetland College UHI staff member, Caroline Hepburn, has been recognised with the Hidden Hero title in the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Awards.
Caroline was praised for being full of enthusiasm and always trying to help. One student said; “I think a lot of people don’t appreciate how much she does. Everyone who knows her knows how much effort and care she puts in”. Another said, “Caroline is always making sure that our opinion is valued and listened to. She is always very quick to sort out any issues whether that is access to resources or additional support in or out the classroom.”
Speaking about her award Caroline said; “I am thrilled and humbled in equal part to get this award! It is all the more valuable because the students themselves have taken the time to make the nomination – they are of course the most important part of my job, and that they recognise what we try to do is beyond measure.”
Iain Morrison, Health and Care Lecturer was highly commended in the “Above and Beyond” category. One student commented that Iain has always been understanding and caring. “He lifts you up when you’re feeling down, his efforts and abilities as a lecturer have really changed my life!”
Post graduate degree education student Lana Smith was highly commended in the “Most Inspiring Student - The Students' Choice” category. One student said “Lana has inspired me throughout our time studying together and has shown me that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
Organised by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, the awards give students a chance to thank the academic staff, support staff and students who have inspired and supported them. The annual awards are judged by a student panel and winners are selected on the quality of the nomination. The 2020 winners are:
Best Personal Academic Tutor/ Learning Support - Rachel Erskine, Lews Castle College UHI
- Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor - Antonia Pritchard, Centre for Health Science
- Best Support Staff - Kathryn Sclater, Orkney College UHI
- Best Class Representative - Pamela Kennedy, Highland Theological College UHI
- HISA Society of the Year - Perth Archaeology and History Society, Perth College UHI
- HISA Sports Club of the Year - Wind and Wave Club, SAMS UHI
- HISA Hidden Heroes - Caroline Hepburn, NAFC Marine Centre UHI
- Most Inspiring Lecturer - Ian Blyth, Inverness College UHI
- Most Engaging video conference tutor - Nikki Perrin, Inverness College UHI
- Most Engaging Online Tutor - Stephen Duncan, Inverness College UHI
- Best Assessment Feedback - Stephen Duncan, Inverness College UHI
- Above and Beyond (Student) - Julie Williams, Inverness College UHI
- Above and Beyond (Staff) - Alan MacLeod, Inverness College UHI
- Most Inspiring Student - Jack Reid, Inverness College UHI
HISA President, Flo Jansen, said: “The HISA awards are a fantastic way to showcase the amazing work of our staff and students across the university partnership. This year we have encountered new challenges and it has been truly incredible to see a record number of award nominations despite the external factors we are facing. We hope that the awards show our appreciation of the amazing work going on behind the scenes every day, we’re so grateful to be able to celebrate these successes.”
Dr Iain Morrison, Dean of Students, commented: “The nomination period for these awards coincided with lockdown, with all the disruption to normal operations that entailed. Some of the student comments were profoundly moving and mean so much to all those who were nominated. Our staff have been quite incredible during this time and the fact that a record number of students took the opportunity to voice their appreciation for their hard work, commitment and care is powerful testimony to the core strength of this university: our people.”