Academic wins top honour for University

‌Dr Megan Lawton, the University’s Deputy Head of Academic Practice, was given the prestigious title by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

The HEA is an independent UK body that supports and helps improve higher education institutions throughout the country.

After submitting a lengthy application to the HEA in November, Dr Lawton has now been told she had been made a Senior Fellow of the organisation – the first person at the University to do so.

In her application, Dr Lawton had to demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of her own work in learning and teaching as well as her experience in supporting and encouraging other staff.

She provided case studies from her career which included international work teaching in Sri Lanka, helping to found a new centre for Deaf Education and the courses it provides, and developing a programme to train staff in international teaching.

As a Senior Fellow, Dr Lawton will be able to support bids for funding from the HEA, and help train and support colleagues in their applications to all forms of fellowship, thus gaining for the University public recognition of its staff’s expertise and commitment.

Dr Lawton said: “For me, it’s a wonderful recognition of the work I’ve been doing but more importantly, it is also this for the University.

“What’s more, my success has already inspired several other colleagues to apply for Senior Fellowship and I can now support them through the process and their success can only increase the reputation of the University and the support it could receive.”

Geoff Layer, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said he was proud of Dr Lawton’s achievement.

He said: “This is a real accolade for Megan and a recognition of her talents as a higher education teacher and of her ongoing support provided to others in developing their practice.

“It is a recognition of the quality and breadth of the teaching in this University, the drive for continuous professional development and the level of support and encouragement throughout the staff.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Jones in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Thursday, January 23, 2014