AN ACADEMIC from the University of Worcester has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.
Lerverne Barber, Deputy Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science has scooped the prestigious award – with only 55 awarded nationally each year.
The National Teaching Fellowship (NTFs) scheme recognises rewards and celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student learning and the teaching profession.
Lerverne has been recognised for her contribution to the University of Worcester’s reputation for promoting inclusive sport. She has lead programmes within her discipline, her Institute, across the University and in countries such as China and Japan.
The award winning academic recently shared her inclusive approach with a large audience, including representatives from many renowned sporting universities as well as the Japanese Paralympic Committee, at the Nippon Foundation in Japan.
Lerverne has also been invited to relay her expert knowledge of teaching and learning in a series of seminars to students and staff at Beijing Sports University.
“I am delighted and honoured to have received this award,” Lerverne said.
“I have been passionate about learning and teaching my whole career.
“Throughout my work, I have always had the same overarching goal, to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, ability, ethnicity, or socio-economic background are enabled to fulfil their academic potential. This is my understanding of inclusive practice and a belief that I have actively promoted when working with students and colleagues at the University and with other organisations internationally.”
Mick Donovan, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Sport & Educational Development and Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Lerverne has been instrumental in transforming our Institute’s approaches to learning and teaching and has been pro-active in sharing good practice and encouraging innovation.
“The Institute’s success in encouraging staff to engage with learning and teaching innovations and developments is very much an outcome of Lerverne’s personal inspiration and leadership.
“We are extremely proud of her achievement in gaining this prestigious award and the national recognition she deserves.”
