Two University of Sunderland staff members are celebrating after winning national awards which recognise the work of young professionals within universities.
Ian Moody and Daniel Wilson have each been named winners in their category at the national Young Leaders Awards at a glitzy ceremony in London this week.
Ian, International Regional Development Manager (Middle East, Africa & UK International), won the ‘People’s Choice’ award, while Daniel, IT Service Development Manager, won the ‘Digital Trailblazer’ category.
Both were nominated by their line managers for their outstanding work which has had major impact on the learning and recruitment environment within the University.
Ian, a BA Business and Marketing graduate, entered the role of International National Region Development Manager at an extremely challenging time for universities entering the overseas market.
Tasked with expanding and stabilising the University of Sunderland’s Middle East and African markets, Ian developed relationships with local agents and colleges, gained a deep understanding of the market, and was instrumental in creating new income streams and bringing stability and growth to this key area of international recruitment.
In their comment for the People’s Choice Award, the judges said: “Ian stood out as an exceptionally motivated individual working in a very challenging international environment. His track record in generating income from overseas markets as well as embedding himself in the culture of the nations he was working in, was viewed as highly commendable.”
Daniel Wilson started his career at the University as a Modern Apprentice, and has worked his way up to become the institution’s youngest Systems Manager, while also gaining a First class degree in BSc Computer Studies in 2008.
Daniel has project managed major institutional IT initiatives such as migrating all staff and students to new email platforms, and developed a new standard desktop service for the entire institution. He has shown leadership, initiative and innovation in his role, and is deserving of the title of Digital Trailblazer.
Shirley Atkinson, University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “We are rightly proud of our young Tomorrow Makers who graduate from Sunderland and go on to reshape the world – and we are just as proud of our young professionals working within the University.
“Ian and Daniel are the embodiment of what we wish to achieve at the University of Sunderland; both are graduates, and both have gone above and beyond in their fields of expertise. Ian’s work reflects our continued innovation in the international market place, something which is a key element in any modern university. Daniel’s work is a reflection of the importance we place on our current students’ experience on campus, where we are constantly innovating to meet, and exceed the needs and expectations of the modern student.
“We often focus on our high-flying graduates, and it can be easy for forget our own hardworking and talented staff forging careers within the University – the Young Leaders Awards help redress that balance, and show the world that we continue to invest in our most important asset, our people.”
Eighteen young leaders from 14 universities and HE institutes throughout the UK made it to the final of the Young Leaders Awards 2015.