UWS crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year

University of the West of Scotland has been crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year at The Herald Higher Education Awards.

Two UWS colleagues – Khadija Mohammed and Professor John Struthers – were also recognised at the award ceremony, after winning the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member and Lifetime Achievement Award categories, respectively.

Khadija has been recognised for her inspiring work to promote race equality in education, with the award going to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their institution or wider community.

Student Gemma Lumsdaine was also celebrated at the event, following being awarded a commendation in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student. Gemma has become one of the most prominent and respected advocates for disability sport in the UK.

Professor John Struthers was given a Lifetime Achievement Award following five decades in higher education, during which he has made a significant contribution to the sector globally. His work in Africa has helped develop economies, and his expertise is highly sought-after by governments domestically and internationally.

The Higher Educational Institution of the Year accolade is not open for entry and is decided by the judging panel based on submissions within other categories and the institutions’ overall performance.

I am absolutely thrilled that UWS has been crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards. We had a record number of shortlisted entries and this is fantastic recognition for our University. I would also like to congratulate Khadija, John and Gemma for being recognised in their categories – their work is truly inspiring and they are deserved winners. Our success on the night is absolutely testament to the incredible work underway and the dedication of colleagues and students across our University. This is a really exciting and special occasion for us at UWS and it is fantastic to see the amazing work of our University community celebrated in this way.

Dr Lucy Meredith, Interim Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS

Khadija Mohammed said: “I am honoured to have been recognised with a Herald Higher Education Award. I am incredibly humbled and would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years that has helped me in my journey to promote and highlight the importance of race equality in education. I’d also like to congratulate everyone else nominated in this category – they are all truly inspiring.”

Professor John Struthers said: “I am humbled and incredibly proud to have won a lifetime achievement award, particularly one that has been recognised by the higher education sector, which I have dedicated my career to for the last five decades. I am also incredibly pleased that my work in Africa has been highlighted – something very important to me. I would also like to congratulate everyone else who was nominated – they have all greatly inspired me.”

This is an institution that continues to grow in stature and reputation. Its academics have won international reputations for their outward thinking approach to world issues, yet at the same time the institution itself never ceases to forge ever-closer links with the communities in which it operates.

Donald Martin, Editor, The Herald & Herald on Sunday and Editor-in-Chief, Newsquest Scotland

Donald Martin added: "Students are at the heart of every programme and policy. A number of academic support programmes have been developed to keep them engaged with their education, while at the same time there has been real support for student wellbeing and indeed for the wellbeing of every staff member.

From its use of technology and communications, to the ground-breaking research work taking place in its laboratories, this institution is making important strides forward in science and the economy and delivering students with the skills to forge careers that will benefit them and society as a whole."