Specialist supporting diverse students at the University of Hertfordshire awarded prestigious National Teaching Fellowship

A lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire has won a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of her work supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including those who are the first in their family to go to university.

Advance HE, a professional body promoting excellence in higher education, announced today that Associate Professor Nina Walker is one of 55 academics across the UK to have been awarded the highly competitive recognition, celebrating those who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and supported others in the provision of excellent teaching and learning.

Associate Professor Nina Walker, Learning and Teaching Specialist and Principal Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“It’s fantastic to receive this recognition of my work enhancing the experience of our students. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, without whom this achievement would not have been possible. It has been a pleasure to see them succeed.”

Nina leads the ‘Transition to Higher Education’ module at Herts, which aims to equip students with the skills and grounding they need to thrive in the university environment. She also runs workshops to help first in family  students navigate higher education and works with students to establish ways to tackle imposter syndrome.

Both students and staff across the whole University have benefited from her work. As the lead for the University's Student-Staff partnership network, Nina champions collaborative working, facilitates sharing of good practice via her Student Experience Forum and works locally and nationally with others to better scaffold student learning.

She has enhanced student outcomes on a national scale through her membership of the Pharmacy Schools Council’s (PhSC) Student Success Group. Nina co-created a national Equality, Diversity and Inclusion conference with PhSC colleagues and Health Education England, leading development of the LGBTQ+ and Inclusive curriculum strands.

Associate Professor Earle Abrahamson, Teaching Excellence Award Lead at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“The National Teaching Fellowship is a highly competitive and prestigious award that recognises teaching and learning excellence. It is wonderful to have Herts colleagues celebrated and valued in this way – achieving an NTF showcases not only Nina’s impact within the University, but also that of the University within the wider HE sector. Nina richly deserves the recognition as her work has been instrumental in supporting, enhancing and transforming the student experience at Herts”.