University of Surrey academics awarded prestigious teaching award

Dr Trace and Professor Mayhew have both been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF), which celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on students and the teaching profession in higher education.

Joining the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013, Dr Trace is a vet who uses his combined passions for veterinary medicine, technology and education to enhance the experience of students at Surrey. In his role he has helped facilitate the rollout of lecture capture, digitised assessment, and played a central role in developing a new digital strategy for a student audience. He has also worked with students and championed their needs as the Chair of the Student Staff Liaison Committee, resulting in modular and programme enhancements, as well as greater flexibility in the use of space within the school for student use.

Also in receipt of the award is Emma Mayhew, Professor of Pedagogy in Politics and International Relations, who has recently joined the University of Surrey as Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Professor Mayhew is dedicated to digital transformation and change and in her previous role, at the University of Reading, co-led a multi award winning programme focused on enhancing electronic management of assessment and the development of a student progress dashboard. She has also led on projects designed to develop academic communities, enhance staff-student partnerships and improve opportunities for the student voice to be heard. Professor Mayhew has also delivered programmes focused on early career leadership and mentors colleagues, particularly women and those in teaching intensive roles, across the HE sector.

Professor Osama Khan, the University of Surrey’s Vice Provost, Education, said: “I am delighted that both Chris and Emma’s hard work and dedication to their students has been recognised in this way. Both have embraced and pioneered innovative techniques to help students with their learning.  I am proud to have them both with us here at Surrey.”

Alison Johns, Advance HE CEO, said: “All of the winners should be extremely proud of their achievement of what are prestigious, national teaching awards. Their work epitomises the outstanding commitment to teaching in the UK higher education sector, which this year has been more demanding than ever before. Well done to each and every one of them.”