Outstanding achievements honoured
Two people whose outstanding achievements have made a huge difference at our University have been honoured for their dedication and commitment.
More than 2,800 nominations were received for this year’s Leeds Partnership Awards
In the first of a regular feature series – profiling winners in all 14 categories of this year’s prestigious Partnership Awards – we are highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of the recipients of the headline accolade.
The coveted awards celebrate those people who truly put into practice the Leeds Partnership – an agreement setting out our shared commitment to work together to support all aspects of our University community.
The overall Partnership Award is selected by a judging panel comprising University and LUU colleagues. It celebrates those who work with great drive and vision to make Leeds the exceptional institution we celebrate today.
This year, judges chose to present two awards: one to a student and one to a member of staff.
Winner of the staff Partnership Award, Dr Alison Voice
Exemplary leader
Dr Alison Voice, Head of Physics Education Research Group and the previous Director of Student Education (DSE) in Physics, was the staff recipient.
Described as an exemplary leader, colleague, researcher and teacher by colleagues, Dr Voice’s work has made a “massive impact” in getting her school on the global map through teaching initiatives and work with PhD students. Her dedication, inclusivity and compassion towards students and staff was highlighted throughout her many nominations. And her ethos of active learning is accompanied by a powerful focus on employability and professional skills, ensuring students feel a sense of belonging on their route to success.
Dr Samantha Pugh, Associate Professor in STEM Education, was among those who nominated Dr Voice for the award. She said: “It is difficult to pick one category for Alison, since her talents span many of them and I would like to recognise all that she has done and achieved holistically.
“Alison has been an exemplary leader and colleague during her time as DSE, and led numerous initiatives in Physics education at Leeds.
“However, the most notable aspect of Alison’s leadership is the dedication and compassion she has shown, and continues to show, towards all of her students and colleagues alike. Despite being very busy, she always has time to talk, whether that is providing expert advice or just being a shoulder to cry on. She is also an inspirational role model, who leads with great care and concern for others.”
Dr Voice said: “The essence of partnership is at the core of everything we do at Leeds, to support students and staff to thrive and excel, and I was delighted, and a little overwhelmed, that colleagues and students were kind enough to recognise my work in this way.
“Already this award has opened conversations with people, to discuss new ventures to help students, which is especially timely in this phase of extended remote learning.”
Meegan Worcester (right), who won the student Partnership Award
Making a difference
The student winner of the Partnership Award – Meegan Worcester – is an energising force within the School of Earth and Environment and the wider Faculty of Environment.
As a School Rep and Laidlaw Scholar, she has engaged passionately with the Leeds Sustainable Curriculum and within her faculty’s ‘Why Is My Curriculum White’ campaign. Meegan emphasises wellbeing for all students, leading impactful Wellbeing Wednesday initiatives in her school.
Among those to nominate Meegan for the award was Natalie Davies-Ania, Education Service Officer: Student Experience. She said: “I am nominating Meegan for her commitment to engaging students through her role and keenness to go above and beyond.
“Meegan is enthusiastic, friendly and has a determined nature, which means she is keen to work with staff and students alike and find new ways to further a wide range of agendas within her role.”
Meegan said: “Coming to university through the Access to Leeds scheme allowed me to see that even if you are from a disadvantaged background, you can still go above and beyond and make a difference.”
More in-depth profiles of each of the winners will appear on the For Staff website during the coming weeks. These will also be promoted via the fortnightly All Staff enewsletters and the Staff Twitter account.
Posted in: University news