UHI students and staff celebrated in the 2025 HISA Awards
The Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Awards are held annually to celebrate the outstanding contributions of both students and staff across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
With all nominations submitted entirely by students, the awards reflect the voices and experiences of the UHI student community. They offer students the chance to recognise and thank those who have made a meaningful impact on their educational journey.
This year, an impressive 616 nominations were received across nine award categories, celebrating students and staff who have gone above and beyond in their roles and demonstrating excellence in teaching, feedback, student support, and leadership.
The 2025 HISA Award winners are:
- Most Inspiring Lecturer
Dr Antonia Thomas – UHI Orkney - Above and Beyond – Staff Award
Joanne Ferris-Bond – UHI Moray - Most Engaging Online Delivery
Mari Louise Todd – UHI Inverness - Best Assessment Feedback
Dr Jon K Shaw – UHI Orkney - Best Personal Academic Tutor or Learning Support
Annemarie Douglas – UHI North, West and Hebrides - Best Professional Services or Support Staff
Ronald McGonagall – Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor
Dr Cordelia Underhill – UHI Orkney - Best Student Club or Society
UHI Scribblers – A regional club based out of Inverness - Most Inspiring Student – The Students’ Choice
Annie S. Anderson – UHI Orkney
William Campbell, HISA Cross-Campus President, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of those nominated:
“The HISA Awards are a powerful celebration of the incredible dedication and talent of our staff and students. Their commitment to enriching the student experience and building inclusive, thriving communities across UHI is truly inspiring. At a time of uncertainty in the further and higher education sectors, the unwavering efforts of our staff mean more than ever to our students. These awards, year after year, shine a spotlight on what makes UHI such a special and fulfilling place to study. I can’t wait to see the continued passion, innovation and excellence of our UHI community recognised through the HISA Awards for many years to come. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, highly commended, and won a HISA award this year!”
Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Students, added:
“In my first year of liaising with our wonderful colleagues in HISA in relation to the awards, I have been moved and inspired by our students’ nominations for staff and their peers across the UHI partnership, and by the experiences and stories of engagement and support behind every one of the nominations. The nominations are testament to and celebratory of all that is unique about our UHI community, including the care and commitment of our staff towards our students and of our caring and inclusive student communities.”
All UHI students automatically become members of HISA, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated.
➕ Find out more on the HISA website.