Hallam University officer becomes Higher Education ambassador

31st January 2017

A Sheffield Hallam University academic with responsibility for evaluating academic impact on students has been appointed as one of two national Learning and Teaching Ambassadors for Teaching Excellence.

Stella Jones-Devitt, head of student research and evaluation, has been appointed by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), to work with the HEA, National Teaching Fellowship and students to develop innovative practice, improve engagement, and help promote work from across the sector. Stella was appointed under the Learning and Teaching Excellence Ambassador Scheme 2017 and will hold the position for 12 months. Within her own work, Stella uses a range of innovatory approaches in order to develop learning resources that stimulate learning, inspire creative and critical thinking, and help to make complex ideas accessible for a successful student learning experience. Stella, who is part of the University's Directorate of Student Engagement, Evaluation and Research, said: "I am thrilled to be appointed as one of two national Learning and Teaching Ambassadors for Teaching Excellence. It is a privilege to be there from the outset in shaping these roles which are hopefully pivotal to highlighting brilliant sector-wide practice and subsequent impact on student experience." Professor Stephanie Marshall, CEO of the Higher Education Academy, added, -I am delighted to welcome Stella as one of the first two NTF Ambassadors. She is truly exceptional in the field of teaching and learning, and I'm sure that her 12 months in the role will see a step-change in the work to disseminated best practice. I'm confident colleagues in the sector will welcome her support and advise in the relentless pursuit of teaching excellence. We are really looking forward to working with Stella. The appointed ambassadors will each have access to funds of up to £3,000 to support their ambassadorial activities. The Learning and Teaching Excellence Ambassador Scheme is part of the wider Educational Excellence portfolio jointly funded by the HEA, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy (DfE) Northern Ireland (now incorporating the responsibilities of DELNI).