Humanities triumph at the Students' Guild Teaching Awards

The winners were selected by students in a survey organised by the Students’ Guild. The awards ceremony formally recognises exceptional teaching and support at the University and acknowledge those staff who not only provide outstanding academic experiences, but those who support their students' wider development. The College would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners, runners-up and nominated members of staff.

College of Humanities winners

• Classics and Ancient History for Best Research Community
• Dr Helen Hanson (English and Film Studies) for Best Supervisor
• Professor Chloe Paver (Modern Languages) for Best Feedback Provider
• Charlie Rushforth (Classics and Ancient History) for Most Supportive Staff Member
• Professor Richard Overy (History) for Research Inspired Teaching

Vice President Academic Affairs Alex Louch compered the event and said afterwards: "The Teaching Awards are a wonderful opportunity for students and the Guild to give something back to the talented and dedicated University staff with whom we work and to ensure they know how greatly they are valued. This year we received a greater number of nominations than ever before and the calibre of these was fantastic across the board. I offer my repeated congratulations to all the category winners and runners-up, and also to all who were nominated by the students who appreciate what they do."

Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education), made closing remarks at the ceremony and said: "It is a pleasure to be involved in the Teaching Awards each year and to share in the celebration of the strong partnership between students and the staff who guide and support them during their time at Exeter. Staff frequently go above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of them to support students and I am delighted that the Teaching Awards has gone from strength to strength since its inception."

The winners at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Professor Richard Overy - Research Inspired Teaching

"I was naturally surprised and delighted to receive the award for Research-Inspired Teaching. I believe this goes hand-in-hand with ‘Teaching-Inspired Research’ because students also influence the way we think about problems and issues in our research through their responses to what we teach.”

Professor Chloe Paver - Best Feedback Provider

“It was very generous of my final-year students to put me forward for this award. I've known that cohort of German students very well since their first year and they certainly must have paid attention to our feedback along the way as they have turned into a very mature and interesting group of thinkers and writers. I'm part of a team of lecturers who teach the particular module they cited (a module which introduces students to the basics of professional translating) and I know we all put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into training the students in these unfamiliar tasks. Since I work in museum studies it was particularly nice to receive the award at Exeter's wonderful museum.”

Dr Helen Hanson - Best Supervisor

"I am really delighted to win the ‘Best Supervisor’ Award for English and Film Studies, especially as I was in such distinguished company on the shortlist.  Reading the nominations was really touching, as students had highlighted what was valuable for them in the supervision, and so often this was about empowering them with the confidence to take their project forward. Supervising an extended undergraduate project, such as the Dissertation, is always a really rewarding experience. Many thanks to the Guild for organising the nominations and awards process, and for hosting such a good celebration at RAMM."

Charlie Rushforth - Most Supportive Staff Member

"I am delighted to have received this award, particularly because the nominations have come directly from the students. The Classics department is very fortunate to have such a proactive student body who are so passionate about their studies, and it is a real pleasure to work with them."

Runners up and short-listed staff