Double Celebration for University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln is marking a double celebration today following news of a major national award for its Vice Chancellor and a rise to its highest ever league table position.

Lincoln has risen to 43rd in the Complete University Guide 2019 (published today, 25th April 2018), an achievement which is complemented by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Mary Stuart, winning The Guardian’s ‘Inspiring Leader 2018’ at a ceremony in London last night.

The award recognises inspirational leadership within the UK higher education sector and celebrates institutions and leaders who have had a far-reaching impact on higher education, who have encouraged innovation, and demonstrated visionary thinking.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “These accolades recognise all the staff and students at Lincoln. Our University is home to extraordinary people who are truly passionate about higher education and research and who fundamentally believe that an exceptional student experience should be at the heart of any university. It is also a recognition of our city which provides a welcoming and supportive home to our student population. I am delighted to see Lincoln succeed in this way.”

Under Professor Stuart’s leadership, the University has invested heavily in its teaching and learning environment. Last year it opened two new academic buildings to further enhance the student experience and underpin the University’s world-leading research. Professor Stuart has been instrumental in forging a partnership with the University of Nottingham to establish a medical school for Lincolnshire.

Speaking about the award for Mary’s leadership, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Ursula Lidbetter MBE, said: “Under Mary’s leadership, the University of Lincoln has gone from strength to strength, steadily rising in the league tables and helping to put our city on the map.

“The creation of a school of engineering and a school of pharmacy and the prospect of a new medical school for Lincolnshire is helping to grow the local skills pool, contributing greatly to the growth and sustainability of the regional economy. I am delighted that this award has been given to such a deserving recipient.”

The rise in the league table follows the institution’s success in the recent Teaching Excellence Framework, a national independent assessment of teaching quality in higher education, where it was awarded Gold – the highest standard possible.