Congratulations to the 2023 University Teaching Fellows

Congratulations to the winners of the University Teaching Fellowship (UTF) scheme for 2023. This is a prestigious award for colleagues who demonstrate individual excellence and dedication to the development of teaching and learning within the University and beyond. 

The winners of the 2023 University Teaching Fellowship scheme are:

Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth (Henley Business School)

Elizabeth is an Associate Professor of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour. She leads personal development teaching on level 7 Apprenticeship programmes and is Programme Director of the MSc International Human Resource Management.

The selection panel was particularly impressed with her focus on employability and linking theory to practice and with her work with industry, including gaining professional (re-) accreditation for the MSc programme. It commended Elizabeth’s passion for coaching and mentoring others, including the important work she does to support other women to develop their careers. The panel also welcomed her scholarship activities and ongoing leadership of the Advancing Business Education Research initiative.

Elizabeth said, “I am delighted to have my T&L contribution recognised by this University Teaching Fellow award. I am particularly proud that my work to support women to develop their careers was appreciated by the panel. I am excited to join the UTF Community of Practice, both to learn from other colleagues and to share further the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning work I am doing.”

Daniela Standen (International Study and Language Institute)

Daniela is an Associate Professor and Academic Director of Teaching and Learning of the NUIST-Reading Academy. The selection panel commended her student-centred, collaborative approach and her clear commitment to working in partnership with students.

The panel welcomed Daniela’s focus on global engagement (including her work to develop the RED Global Engagement Award and Global Graduate Programme) and inclusive practice, her willingness to explore innovative approaches, and the impressive reach of her work to support and develop colleagues’ practice. Daniela’s application clearly demonstrated her impact at a local, institutional and national/international level.

Daniela said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded the University Teaching Fellowship.  Working with students is at the core of my teaching philosophy and receiving this award recognises not only my contribution but that of the students.  As a member of the UTF community, I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues to enhance teaching and learning at Reading and to sharing my passion for preparing our students to live and work in a global and interconnected world.”

Professor Hong Yang (School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Science)

Hong is a Programme Director, Departmental International Tutor and Co-Chair of the University’s BAME Network. Hong’s application was underpinned by his student-centred approach and focused on the themes of participatory learning and diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to cross-cultural awareness and learning.

The selection panel was particularly impressed with Hong’s work to support diverse student needs, including through a group teaching approach; the various funded teaching and learning projects he has led with a focus on diversity and inclusive teaching; and his work to mentor, lead and support the development of colleagues (particularly those based at NUIST).

Hong said, “Receiving the UTF fellowship is a profound honour for me as it highlights the significance of inclusion, diversity, and collaborative learning in our educational environment. The prospect of joining the UTF Community of Practice is exhilarating, where I look forward to both learning from and contributing to the transformative practices in teaching and learning.”

The winners’ achievements will be recognised formally at a Celebrating Teaching & Learning Success event later this year.