Inverness lecturer recognised in student awards
An Inverness-based academic has been named as the University of the Highlands and Islands’ ‘Best Online Tutor’. Tara Morrison, a business lecturer at Inverness College UHI, was nominated for the accolade by students in the university’s annual teaching awards.
Tara was praised for her ‘genuine and contagious’ enthusiasm and for making everyone feel at ease when interacting online. One student explained: “Tara has a great tone online - chatty yet professional - and makes us all feel at ease with the subject matter and technology. She is also encouraging and positive and is careful to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to contribute.”
To recognise her success, Tara will be presented with a trophy and certificate on behalf of the University’s students.
Speaking of her award, she said: "I love lecturing and over the years have adapted to the changing and innovative technologies which have allowed students to study wherever and whenever they choose. This flexibility of study has made it possible for students in the Highlands and Islands to engage in Higher Education opportunities without having to leave this beautiful area.
“I have always wanted to make the student learning experience as interesting, informative and useful as I can, regardless of the medium used for delivery. To have my efforts recognised by the student body is such an honour and I am so gratified by this award.”
The University of the Highlands and Islands was one of the first UK institutions to introduce student-led teaching awards. The initiative, now in its seventh year, recognises excellence in ten categories, with winners coming from around the university partnership. Other staff and students who have received accolades this year are:
- Best Personal Academic Tutor - Dr Finlo Cotter, SAMS UHI
- Best Class Representative - Scott Anderson, Argyll College UHI
- Best Contribution to Clubs and Societies - Sebastianno Galeppini, North Highland College UHI
- Best Assessment Feedback - Dr Simon Clarke, Shetland College UHI
- Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor - Dr Andrew Jennings, Shetland College UHI
- Best Support Staff - Kate Mawby, Lews Castle College UHI
- Most Inspiring Lecturer - Dr John Howe, SAMS UHI
- Best Engagement with Student Voice - Ryan Gow, North Highland College UHI and Dr David Green, SAMS UHI
- Most Engaging Video Conference Lecturer - Anna-Wendy Stevenson, Lews Castle College UHI
Dr Iain Morrison, dean of students at the university, said: “You cannot underestimate the impact of these awards on those who received a nomination, let alone those who actually won a trophy. Our wonderfully diverse teaching and support staff have one main thing in common: a desire to ensure that our students get as much as they can from their time at university. Students are at the heart of what we do and it is incredibly rewarding for our staff to know that what we are doing is having such a positive impact on their lives.”
Luke Humberstone, president of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, added: “Great staff change students’ lives. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to put the spotlight on some of our very best lecturing and support staff. The nominations have shown us just how outstanding our staff are and how often they go above and beyond the call of duty. These awards also recognise our fantastic class reps and clubs and societies. Many of our students go out of their way to help their peers and make sure everyone has the best experience they can while at the University of the Highlands and Islands. HISA and our students salute them all!”