WINNERS ANNOUNCED at the 2025 Student Led Teaching Awards

By Tom Christison

A HIGHLIGHT of the academic year: the Bonar Hall played host last Friday, April 11, to the annual Student-Led Teaching Awards (SLTAs). The event, hosted by students, honoured the educators who have made a real impact on their university experience.

The SLTAs celebrate exceptional teaching and support across ten categories. Nominations opened in December and closed mid-March, after which the SRC reviewed submissions and selected the winners.

A programme of the evening. Source: Tom Christison

The evening was bookended by the Vice-President of Academia Dani McFawns who delivered an opening speech, the final award and a closing speech. The evening began with a drinks reception before moving into the awards. The awards were presented by school presidents Banga (Life Sciences), Caleb (Dentistry), Bradley (Engineering), and Lucas (Health Sciences).

During the proceedings, Vice-Principal of Education Blair Grubb delivered a brief address during the ceremony, reflecting on his 46-year career in academia ahead of his upcoming retirement. He expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and highlighted the importance of events like the SLTAs in allowing students to give back, while also recognising the broader value of staff-student engagement. His remarks, though thoughtful, received a mixed response from the audience.

Vice-Principal Blair Grubb delivered a speech. Source: Dundee University

This year’s Student-Led Teaching Awards saw a notable change in format. Unlike previous years, where shortlisted nominees were informed in advance, the shortlist remained undisclosed until the night itself. All nominated staff were invited to attend, along with members of the DUSA Executive, the incoming executive team, SRC representatives, and student society members. During the ceremony, shortlisted nominees were called to the stage in real time, building suspense before a drumroll signalled the reveal of each category winner.

Although Dr Clement Seeballuck did not take home an award, his impact was unmistakable, earning nominations in eight out of ten categories—a standout achievement. No nominee left empty-handed, however; each received a commemorative badge recognising their contribution, replacing the traditional mug awarded in previous years.

This year’s winners were:

• Advisor of the Year – Dr Jean McEwan-Short

• Commitment to Student Employability – Craig Reoch

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Dr Melissa D’Ascenzio

• Innovative Teaching – Dr Paul Campbell

• Commitment to Students – Anya Farnan

• Lecturer of the Year – Dr Martin Purcell

• Module of the Year – Nicola Tully (Applied Learning)

• Postgraduate Tutor of the Year – Dr Sam Singleton

• Student Partnership – Dr David Martin

• Students’ Choice Award – Professor Marios Stavridis

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

The SLTAs are a powerful reminder that behind every great learning experience are dedicated staff who go the extra mile. Events like this not only celebrate excellence but also strengthen the connection between students and educators—an essential part of university life.