ÐÔÊӽ紫ý students and staff celebrated in the 2025 HISA Awards

The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Awards are held annually to celebrate the outstanding contributions of both students and staff across the University of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and Islands (ÐÔÊӽ紫ý). 

With all nominations submitted entirely by students, the awards reflect the voices and experiences of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý student community. They offer students the chance to recognise and thank those who have made a meaningful impact on their educational journey. 

This year, an impressive 616 nominations were received across nine award categories, celebrating students and staff who have gone above and beyond in their roles and demonstrating excellence in teaching, feedback, student support, and leadership.

The 2025 HISA Award winners are:

  • Most Inspiring Lecturer
    Dr Antonia Thomas – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Orkney
  • Above and Beyond – Staff Award
    Joanne Ferris-Bond – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray
  • Most Engaging Online Delivery
    Mari Louise Todd – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness
  • Best Assessment Feedback
    Dr Jon K Shaw – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Orkney
  • Best Personal Academic Tutor or Learning Support
    Annemarie Douglas – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý North, West and Hebrides
  • Best Professional Services or Support Staff
    Ronald McGonagall – Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
  • Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor
    Dr Cordelia Underhill – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Orkney
  • Best Student Club or Society
    ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Scribblers – A regional club based out of Inverness
  • Most Inspiring Student – The Students’ Choice
    Annie S. Anderson – ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Orkney

William Campbell, HISA Cross-Campus President, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of those nominated: 

“The HISA Awards are a powerful celebration of the incredible dedication and talent of our staff and students. Their commitment to enriching the student experience and building inclusive, thriving communities across ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is truly inspiring. At a time of uncertainty in the further and higher education sectors, the unwavering efforts of our staff mean more than ever to our students. These awards, year after year, shine a spotlight on what makes ÐÔÊӽ紫ý such a special and fulfilling place to study. I can’t wait to see the continued passion, innovation and excellence of our ÐÔÊӽ紫ý community recognised through the HISA Awards for many years to come. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, highly commended, and won a HISA award this year!” 

Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Students, added:  

“In my first year of liaising with our wonderful colleagues in HISA in relation to the awards, I have been moved and inspired by our students’ nominations for staff and their peers across the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý partnership, and by the experiences and stories of engagement and support behind every one of the nominations. The nominations are testament to and celebratory of all that is unique about our ÐÔÊӽ紫ý community, including the care and commitment of our staff towards our students and of our caring and inclusive student communities.” 

All ÐÔÊӽ紫ý students automatically become members of HISA, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated.

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