The University of Stirling is one of five universities shortlisted for the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year Awards 2024.
Up against Stirling for the prestigious award are London Metropolitan University, Ulster University, University of Leicester, University of Sunderland, and University of Surrey.
This year marks the 20th instalment of the THE Awards, deemed the ‘Oscars of higher education’. The Awards are judged by a panel of sector experts and will focus on the nominees’ achievements during the 2022/23 academic year.
Stirling University’s nomination outlines the growth of its student population, diversity, and transnational education partnerships which have resulted in the rise of Stirling degrees worldwide.
It also considers the development works on campus, including £23 million in creating Campus Central and £20 million in redeveloping the Sports Centre. This doubled the space for students to socialise, study and stay active.
However, University of the Year is not the only recognition Stirling has received in the shortlists. Two Lecturers and the University of Stirling’s Communications and Marketing Teams are also in the running for awards.
Outstanding Stirling Lecturers
Professor Vikki McCall is nominated for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year. The Professor of Social Policy has previously won the RATE award for excellence in teaching in the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2016, 2019 and 2023.
Professor McCall’s nomination states: “She has played a central role in forging and enhancing links with employers, the accrediting body and other key stakeholders.”
Professor Angela Creese, a Professor of Education, is shortlisted for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year.
She has been commended for her support for students who “face significant cultural and linguistic challenges.”
Professor Creese’s nomination adds: “Many of her graduates go on to excel in academic and professional posts in the UK and abroad, winning prestigious prizes and appointments to the boards of respected international organisations.”
Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team
Finally, Stirling University’s Communications and Marketing Teams are in the running for Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year for their “Recruiting the 12th Man” campaign.
When Stirling University’s football team were set to play Dundee United in 2023, the marcomms team pulled together names such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Lilian Thuram to support Stirling.
The nomination outlines: “Driven by the campaign, which reached 1.49 million across social media, Stirling sold 1,000+ tickets for the match.
“With widespread media coverage including BBC Sportscene, Reporting Scotland, STV News, The Times and The Sun, the campaign cemented Stirling’s reputation as a leader in university sport.”
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.
“This is major recognition for our staff, students and supporters – whose passion to deliver world-class learning and teaching, impactful research, celebrated high-performance sports programmes, and an unrivalled student experience ensures that the University of Stirling continues to thrive on the international stage.”
This years’ awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham on November 28, 2024.
Featured Image Credit: The University of Stirling
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