Two Lincoln Academics Awarded Highest National Teaching Accolade

Two academics from the University of Lincoln, UK, have received the highest national award in the sector. It is highly unusual for two academics from the same institution to be recognised in the same year, with only 55 National Teaching Fellowships awarded by Advance HE across the UK’s universities and colleges in 2023.

Sharon Green, Professor and Director of Apprenticeships and Skills, and Dr Hanya Pielichaty, Professor, Programme Leader in International Sports Business Management and Director of Student Inclusion with the Eleanor Glanville Institute, have both been awarded National Teaching Fellowships from Advance HE.

Professor Liz Mossop, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University said: “I am absolutely delighted to see both Sharon and Hanya receive National Teaching Fellowship Awards. 

 “Sharon is doing lifechanging work in the field of apprenticeships and skills, working closely with industry partners to transform access to higher education. Hanya is a longstanding champion of inclusion on national and international levels, working with students, her discipline and multiple stakeholders.

“It is wonderful to see the profound impact they have made on students, the wider community and higher education as a whole being recognised with this highly prestigious award. We are very proud of them both, and they join a growing community of National Teaching Fellowship award winners here at Lincoln which reflects on the exceptional student experience we deliver.”

Professor Sharon Green – Professor and Director of Apprenticeships and Skills

Sharon Green’s career took a non-traditional route, entering academia later in life after a career break having children. She is determined to help empower others to access education by using the lessons she learnt while overcoming barriers in her journey. The programmes Sharon instigates reach thousands of employees each year, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sharon said: “Winning the award means a tremendous amount to me. I am so proud of my achievement and view it as the pinnacle of my academic career in many ways. Being at the forefront of apprenticeships with the University has helped me gain my national recognition as a civic educational leader and Professor of Vocational Education and Skills Development.

“I look forward to being able to continue shaping our vocational landscape that can equip students with the skills and behaviours to self-actualise and achieve their academic and career potential.”

Sharon raises aspirations through direct outreach initiatives to transform lives and is fuelled by this power for people and their social mobility. From 2016 to 2018, she facilitated a 150% growth in the number of apprentices at Lincoln with 491 enrolled in 2018-19 and this number has risen year on year to 1,094 in 2022-23.

By establishing partnerships between the University and leading employers including Nestle, Heineken and Coca Cola, bolstered by her specialist expertise in the food and drinks sector, Sharon has ensured that these learners are equipped with the skills that could directly lead toward careers with exciting progression opportunities.

Dr Hanya Pielichaty – Professor, Programme Leader in International Sports Business Management and Director of Student Inclusion with the Eleanor Glanville Institute

Hanya, after playing high level football for 20 years, brings considerable knowledge to her role as both a sports management educator and Director of Student Inclusion. She fronts a number of projects including the Inclusive Education Resource Hub, which draws together teaching and learning materials on inclusive education, and the Critical Pedagogies in Sport (CPiS) network. This global network brings together academics from across sports-based higher education disciplines to review and challenge inequities in teaching and learning.

Sitting on both national and local boards, Hanya’s influence on sport permeates across academic and non-academic communities, increasing access to physical exercise and sport education for all. This has been demonstrated through her work with Let’s Move Lincolnshire and over a decade of research into girls’ and womens’ football.

Hanya said: “Gaining National Teaching Fellowship recognition is incredibly humbling and will take time to sink in! I have been overwhelmed by the continued support of my colleagues and students who have enabled me to achieve this accolade.

“From day one I have loved teaching and from every following moment I have strived to ensure my students have enjoyed their learning.

“My own experiences of playing football in a male-dominated environment have contributed to my teaching philosophy. Enabling students to think critically about the world around them to positively contribute to society both drives and inspires me.”

An independent panel of senior higher education leaders, representing the four UK nations, assures the quality of the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence and recommends winners.

View the full list of 2023 winners of the National Teaching Fellowship here.