Arran support staff are voted the best
Two of the top accolades in the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association’s (HISA) annual awards scheme have been won by Argyll College UHI representatives.
Mo McKenna and Judi Worthington, who run the college’s Arran Centre, were named best support staff, while Dunoon student Scott Anderson won the best engagement with the student voice – student category. A further three staff members were highly commended in this year’s honours, which are open to nominations from all 13 different colleges and research institutions which make up the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Argyll College UHI Principal Fraser Durie said: ‘It is wonderful that our students felt strongly enough about the fantastic job many of our staff and student representatives do that they took the time to nominate them for these prestigious awards.
‘The Argyll College UHI nominees were up against high-quality competition from an area stretching from Shetland to Elgin to Perth, so to come out with two awards and three commendations is brilliant. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate our winners in particular, but also all other nominees and other staff who together work so hard to ensure Argyll College UHI provides the best educational experience it possibly can.’
Mo and Judi, the Arran centre manager and assistant centre manager respectively, were nominated by a student who said although there were only two of them, they ‘provide the support, encouragement and advice of a team of 100’.
‘They are always so happy, enthusiastic and positive and work together so hard as a team to make our lives at college as smooth as possible. The pair of them are true stars and it’s fantastic that they’ve been recognised for all they have done for me and every other Arran student. They truly deserve it,’ the student added.
Mo said she and Judi were both ‘absolutely delighted’ to have received the award. ‘Supporting students through good times and bad can be one of the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, parts of our job. I know how hard all staff in University of the Highlands and Islands work to support students, so to win this is just amazing,’ she added.