26 April 2021

Outstanding accomplishments in student support

The latest in a new series profiling our Women of Achievement Awards 2021 celebrants highlights outstanding accomplishments of four colleagues in the field of student support.

Amazing achievements of 28 colleagues were recognised during a special online ceremony last month.

Held for the sixth time, the awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate women who share a common commitment to excellence and have performed outstandingly in their fields, whether this be in research, student education or student experience, scholarship, international strategies, leadership of key University initiatives, or supporting vital administrative and technical activities.

The awards highlight the significant contributions and impact the recipients have made across the University and beyond.

The women receiving awards were all nominated by their peers, and are drawn from across the University, from a range of academic and professional colleagues, highlighting how excellence is being achieved throughout the institution.

Team effort

Catherine Lorigan is Director of Student Operations within the Student Education Service (SES), and leads a team of nearly 600 colleagues with compassion and clarity.

Catherine has the exceptional ability to combine creative and lateral thinking with a determined focus on delivery and results. She’s a valued colleague and leader, who has significantly contributed to the success of the SES.

Catherine said: “Anyone in a leadership role is only as good as their team, and my team is the absolute best – every one of them. 

“In the past 12 months, they have really shown what they are made of. They have been challenged in ways they never imagined, in both their personal and professional lives, and have demonstrated creativity, commitment and resilience throughout. I have nothing but praise for them and am honoured to accept this award on their behalf, as it is they who deserve it.”

Passionate about equality and inclusion

Jenny Brady is a Project Lead for Inclusive Learning and Teaching within Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE).

She provides important leadership in the strategically vital area of inclusive learning and teaching. Jenny has worked tirelessly, both before and during the pandemic, to raise awareness of how online learning and remote working is experienced differently by disabled students.

Jenny said: “I’m delighted to have been nominated for this award as I’m passionate about equality and inclusion, and ensuring barriers to access and participation are addressed in how we design and deliver student education.

“I’m lucky to work with an ever-growing network of committed colleagues who share my vision, and who are helping to shape the culture around inclusive teaching day by day.

“Having been at the University since 2006, I’ve seen a lot of change, and I feel that now, more than ever, there’s an appetite for truly understanding how we continue to meet the needs of our diverse student population. I feel excited to be part of this evolution, and proud that my leadership in this area has been recognised.”

Committed to the student experience

Sue Green, Assistant Director of Residential Services, delivered exceptional leadership skills during times of change and uncertainty.

Alongside supporting her multiple teams within residences, she stepped in to cover the duties of a senior colleague. Sue has worked tirelessly to support the welfare and wellbeing of the many students who live in University accommodation.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received this award and grateful to those who nominated me for it.

“Having worked for the University for almost 35 years, in various roles, I’ve always strived throughout my career to deliver really good service to our students. 

“The team I work with in Residential Services is totally committed to the student experience – I love working with them and I thoroughly enjoy my role. I find it immensely challenging and rewarding.

“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet thousands of students and their families from all over the world. The arrival experience that Residential Services delivers when students move into their accommodation is, for nearly all students, their first encounter with the University, and I care passionately about getting it right and making it a positive experience.”

Expertise and enthusiasm

Associate Professor, Dr Lisa Marshall, is outstanding in her role as Director of Student Education and has played an integral role in enhancing the student experience within the School of Food Science and Nutrition.

She has made strong and sustained contributions to the University strategy and her expertise and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.

Dr Marshall said: “I’m overwhelmed to have won the Women of Achievement Award.

“There are so many great women in the University and I’m grateful to represent all of those that are focussed on student education and work hard to better the student experience.

“This past year has been tough for us all, and balancing caring and childcare with leading the constant changes within student education in the School of Food Science and Nutrition feels all the more worthwhile to have been acknowledged in this way. Thank you very much! It’s such an honour to receive this award.”

Success for all

Leeds has been commended for its work to support the career development of talented women in the form of a prestigious Bronze award under the Athena SWAN Charter. The Athena SWAN Charter is designed to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. Faculties at Leeds celebrated a hat-trick of new awards across the University last year.

Inspiring others

Further profiles of each of the Women of Achievement Awards 2021 celebrants will be published on For Staff during the coming weeks. Links to these articles will be added to the weekly eNews editions and the Equality and Inclusion Unit website, so watch this space for further information.

For those unable to attend the online Women of Achievement Awards 2021, you can access a recording of the ceremony to watch in full.

Posted in: University newsStudent education