Bucks’ Samantha McCormack is celebrating after being ‘highly commended’ in the Oscars of higher education – the THE Awards 2019.

The Times Higher Education Awards, held in London on Thursday evening, gains hundreds of entries from universities across the UK and recognise outstanding work and innovation.

Bucks New University was shortlisted in two categories, Outstanding Technician of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development.

This is the first year that the awards have been opened wider to recognise excellence in both academia and the professional services, including the first year for outstanding technicians.

Sam McCormack, Technical Manager: Simulation, Psychology & Performance at Bucks, said she was ‘delighted’ to be highly commended and shortlisted.

She added: “I was delighted to have been a finalist in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category.

“It is wonderful that THE awards are acknowledging technicians in this way, and of course a huge thank you has to go to Bucks and my amazing team for supporting my submission. I shared a great evening with colleagues.

“Although I did not win, I was highly commended so here’s to all technicians, may they continue to gain recognition and visibility!”

Sam has pioneered several innovative teaching methods which add authenticity to students’ learning during her eight years at Bucks, including moulage - the art of applying mock wounds - and dementia simulation.

Bucks had also been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development THE Award for its innovative leadership programme focuses on developing skills for all levels of staff across the University.

HR Director Alexandra Bode-Tunji said: “This is a positive reflection on the work we are doing at Bucks to improve leadership capability, shift ways of working and support our employees in delivering a great student experience.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby said: “This was a proud occasion for our superb University and its staff. We are delighted that Samantha was Highly Commended in the new category of Outstanding Technician as it’s a truly fantastic achievement.

“We were delighted to be shortlisted in the awards; both categories reflect Bucks New University’s commitment to leadership development and the outstanding calibre of technical support we provide.

“This success reflects positively on the excellent working environment we have at Bucks and its positive impact on the learning experience we provide for our students.”