Online awards recognise dedication of Chester University staff.

The hard work and dedication of members of staff at the University of Chester have been celebrated at a special online event organised by Chester Students’ Union.

The 1839 Awards are named after the year of the institution’s foundation as the country’s first purpose-built teaching training college.

Due to lockdown conditions, this year’s event was hosted online by the CSU. As with previous years, the awards are to recognise the work of staff across the institution, from lecturers and Personal Academic Tutors through to support staff, with a series of awards voted for by the student body.

The full event can still be viewed here.

The categories and winners were:

• Student Experience Rep (SER) of the Year – Jonathon Murphy

Student Experience Representatives (SER) are at the heart of representation working with students and staff to bring about positive change. This Award highlights the difference SERs have had on their peers with their commitment to enhancing the student experience at Chester.

• Outstanding Academic Support Staff – Chris Bebbington, Art and Design

This Award recognises members of staff who often go unnoticed, whether an administrator or technician, their day-to-day support is essential in ensuring the best for the academic experience.

• Outstanding Postgraduate Supervisor – Dr Lou Taylor, Social Work and Interprofessional Education

Postgraduate Supervisors contribute a lot in helping their students unlock their potential, encouraging deep thought and extended research in their chosen field.

• Outstanding PAT/Professional Mentor: Dr Suzanne Francis, Department of Social and Political Science

PATs (Personal Academic Tutors) and Professional Mentors are a source of help and guidance throughout a student’s life at University. Students value positive relationships with their tutors and this Award recognises those who go the extra mile to support their students.

• Outstanding Non-Academic Support Staff – Chester and Warrington Porters

This Award recognises the contribution to the student experience from those who work behind the scenes.

• Most Inspiring Lecturer – Rebecca Collins, Geography and International Development

Students learn the best when their lecturers motivate them to feel passionate about their subject. This Award recognises those lecturers who encourage students to achieve their learning and lifelong ambitions through exemplary commitment to transferring passion and motivation in their teaching practice.

• Most Helpful Feedback – Ralph Ferneyhough, Department of Computer Science, Electronics and Electrical Engineering

This category recognises how key it is for students to receive timely, constructive feedback on assignments and exams to help build and further their academic achievements.

• Mental Health Champion – Brian Roberts, Institute of Policing

This Award recognises an individual or service at the University which has gone the extra mile to support students.

• Special Recognition (Student) – Yasmin Ruane

This Award recognises students who strive to achieve the best at the University through events, charity fundraising or new ideas and projects.

• Outstanding Achievement – Keith Chandler, Enterprise, Leadership and Management.

This Award highlights those members of staff who deserve recognition for their hard work which doesn’t fit into the other categories.

• CSU Choice – Chenise Mcloughlin, Hospitality and Residential Services, Catering Services

This Award is chosen by the staff and elected officers at Chester Students’ Union to recognise someone for always having a positive impact on students and staff at the University.

• VP Choice – Dr Mandy Urquhart, School of Psychology

This Award is designed to recognise and celebrate an individual, Department or Faculty which has consistently worked with the Vice President and the Academic Rep Coordinator and gone above and beyond to offer support.

Melanie Hooper, Vice-President Education, Chester Students’ Union, said: “The 1839 Awards give us a great opportunity every year to celebrate the part that each and every person plays in the bigger picture that is the University of Chester. COVID-19 and lockdown wasn’t going to stop us from (safely) recognising those members of staff, as well as other students, who always go the extra mile and who otherwise may not receive the praise they so rightly deserve. We may have had to celebrate this year’s awards differently, but the sentiment – and our gratitude – was exactly the same as in previous years.”

Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Warrington Provost, Dr Chris Haslam said: “The 1839 Awards evening are always a real highlight in the University’s calendar. While we should have been enjoying the Awards evening together, the CSU hosted an excellent online ceremony in its place. My congratulations go to all those colleagues and students who were recognised for making the University of Chester such a special place to be.”

Pictured - Some of the winners of the 1839 awards