The School of History, Law and Social Sciences is proud to celebrate a major success at this year’s prestigious Student Voice Awards and Student-Led Teaching Awards, held on the evening of Thursday, 8th of May 2025, in the historic setting of Powis Hall. These awards, organised by the Students’ Union and based on student nominations, are among the highest honours for staff and students across the university – recognising exceptional teaching, support, and contributions to the wider student experience.
In a standout year for the School, multiple awards were brought home, highlighting the impact, care, and innovation within our community.
Third-year BA Philosophy, Ethics & Religion student, Lily Williams-Shannon, was awarded the Staff Choice Award, a great honour bestowed by academic staff to a student who has gone above and beyond to enrich the academic and community life of the School. Lily’s dedication, critical insight, and leadership were commended by the staff who nominated her.
In the teaching categories, Rachel Healand-Sloan (PhD in Philosophy) was awarded the Postgraduate Teaching Award, celebrating her inspiring, student-centred approach to philosophy education. Dr Leona Huey received the Outstanding Pastoral Support award, recognising her deeply compassionate care and unwavering support for students navigating challenges.
Particularly noteworthy was Dr Joshua Andrews, who achieved a double win: he was honoured with the Student Voice Award, acknowledging his commitment to listening to, empowering, and acting on student feedback, and was also named Dissertation Supervisor of the Year for his guidance that consistently enables students to reach their full academic potential.
Alongside the award winners, several others from the School were shortlisted – further testament to the outstanding contributions across our departments. These included:
- Daniel Awuku-Asare (LLB in Law) for the Network Award, recognising student contributions to community building and innovation.
- Duncan McLeod (PhD in Philosophy), shortlisted for the Postgraduate Teaching Award, for his excellent approach to promoting intellectual curiosity.
- Dr Gareth Evans-Jones was shortlisted for both Teacher of the Year and the Welsh-medium Award, recognising his approach to bilingual teaching and support.
- Dr Joshua Andrews was also a finalist for Teacher of the Year, reinforcing the wide recognition of his excellence.
Professor Peter Shapely, Head of the School of History, Law and Social Sciences commented, “I am immensely proud of the outstanding achievements of our staff and students at this year’s Students Voice Awards and Student Led Teaching Awards. These awards and nominations are a testament to the passion, dedication and care that define our School. It is especially heartening to see our students not only being supported but also recognised for their own exceptional contributions to teaching, community, networking and academic life. Also, our staff have been appropriately celebrated for their inspirational teaching, pastoral care, and commitment to student voice, and Welsh-medium education. Together, these achievements reflect the vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative learning community we strive to cultivate at the School of History, Law and Social Sciences. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees – you are a credit to your disciplines and to the School as a whole."
Congratulations to all nominees and award winners. Your achievements are both inspiring and well deserved.