Posted on by Malcolm Baggaley

Academic Society Leader Award – 2024

Awarded for demonstrating Outstanding leadership in their role within an academic society. 

Presented by Dr Alison Purvis – Associate Dean Teaching & Learning

Sam Beachell

College of Business, Technology & Engineering

Photo of award winner holding certificate and trophy

What they did:

The nominee took it upon themselves to create a new Student Society for the Course. They were supported by other students, however the nominee lead on the process and volunteered to be the society Chair. This took some effort to arrange and supporting the society and planning and organising student events continues to take up a lot of their time. The Student Society as a whole has been greatly appreciated by other students on the course. As well as this the nominee has organised and lead on external employer events with IBM, creating a link between students on the course and a major industry employer.

What was the impact?

The main impact has come in the form of increased students satisfaction with the course.

How it inspired others

Other students have got involved with helping to run the society.

Sam Sephton

College of Health, Wellbeing & Life Sciences

Photo of award winner holding certificate and trophy

What they did:

They are an incredibly active academic society leader as the President of the Paramedic Society. They currently oversee a small committee and are an exceptional communicator with the Students’ Union, their peers and Department. I have been impressed with the numerous events they have organised which includes both professional/academic and social opportunities for students in their department. They have organised an upcoming Yorkshire 3 Peaks 2 day hike for around 40 people alongside the regular coroner’s inquests, professional training, short hikes and Otley Runs.
Balancing this alongside their studies is a fantastic feat and has been the most active student leader I have supported this year.

What was the impact?

Through the events they have organised they have been able to build a strong community of Paramedic students in the university to give them additional social and professional opportunities. They also have a great working relationship with the previous year’s committee to learn from their strengths and weaknesses to continue improving the society’s offer.

How it inspired others

They are a great role model and case study for their peers on the scope of what can be achieved as a committee members. As an SU, there are varying levels of engagement from students and they are a perfect example of how committed they can be and make a positive difference for others around them.

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