Caithness academic Lois Gray receives national award for teaching excellence
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An academic from Castletown has been recognised for her teaching excellence with a national award.
Lois Gray, a lecturer and academic lead developer for engineering based at North Highland College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, was named as a national teaching fellow.
At the same time, the university's applied music team won a collaborative award for teaching excellence.
Both awards are managed by Advance HE, a charity that works with institutions across the world to improve higher education for staff, students and society.
The national teaching fellowship scheme celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Lois is one of 55 academics across the UK to become a fellow this year. She is a chartered engineer who has been teaching at the university for more than 15 years and is a passionate advocate for women in engineering.
The collaborative award for teaching excellence recognises work that has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning. The scheme highlights the key role of teamwork in higher education.
The team behind the university's BA (honours) applied music degree, which includes staff from Lews Castle College UHI and West Highland College UHI, is one of only 14 across the UK to receive the award this year. The innovative course is designed and delivered by professional musicians, educators and industry experts and covers traditional, Celtic, pop, jazz, classical and rock music.
Lois said: "I am delighted and honoured to receive this national teaching fellowship award.
"With teaching being such a fulfilling occupation, I feel gratified to find that the work I do naturally to prompt my hard-working students to give their best is worthy of such a prestigious award.
"I couldn't have achieved this without the support of my colleagues who have embraced my sometimes rather speculative ideas and have striven to make my programmes as inclusive, attractive and rewarding as possible."
Anna-Wendy Stevenson, programme leader for the university's BA (honours) applied music degree, said: "Collaboration is central to all our lives – as educators and members of society – and is a core skill within our subject area of music.
"It is wonderful to celebrate our work with the prestigious collaborative award for teaching excellence and have our team recognised for their passion in developing and connecting the many communities we serve through higher education."
Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: "I am delighted that Lois and the applied music team have been recognised in these prestigious national awards.
"This is the first year we have entered, thanks to the coordination and support of our Learning and Teaching Academy, and we've been told it is exceptional to have been successful in both categories.
"The awards are held in high regard in the sector and demonstrate our commitment to excellence in learning and teaching. It's fantastic to be commended for the impact our colleagues are having on our students."
Alison Johns, chief executive of Advance HE, said: "Well done to each and every awardee on this outstanding achievement."
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