Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Stuart has been shortlisted in the Guardian’s Inspiring Leader award as part of their University Awards this year.
Mary is surprised and delighted for Lincoln to be recognised in this way. She very much feels that this is an accolade which belongs to all of us, staff and students, as much as to her.
The Guardian aims to recognise inspirational leadership within the UK higher education sector and to celebrate institutions and leaders who have had a far-reaching impact on higher education, encouraged innovation and demonstrated visionary thinking. Following this nomination the winner is decided by a public vote and you can vote for Mary on the Guardian website.
Mary has submitted a short biog for the website, 150 words. She describes how she grew up in apartheid South Africa and emigrated to the UK for political reasons. Like many migrants she initially had some challenges. Having become pregnant with twins, Mary and her partner were evicted from their rented flat, meaning her twins started life in a hostel for homeless families.
Determined to make some sort of success of their lives Mary studied for a degree with the Open University and after a career as a social scientist she went on to become Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln. You will all know that whilst at Lincoln Mary’s emphasis has been on staff and students together ‘making the University’ as one community. During her time here, Lincoln has transformed. Seven new Schools of study, strong employer endorsement, a reputation for student engagement, and community involvement are just some of the initiatives she has led and supported.
For Mary, this nomination is not about her but about everyone who has worked so hard to make Lincoln what it is today.
The winner of the award will be decided by readers of The Guardian Higher Education Network. The full shortlist is published on the Guardian website on Thursday 22nd March at which time readers will be able to cast their vote. Voting will close on Friday 6th April. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Tuesday 24th April.
To vote for Professor Stuart visit https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2018/mar/22/higher-educations-most-inspiring-leader-2018-the-shortlist and let’s see our Vice Chancellor recognised for all she has achieved.