Leading York St John Tutor Achieves Internationally Recognised Principal Fellowship

Dr Sue Jones at York St John University (YSJ), has been recognised by the Principal Fellowship Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) for her commitment and contribution to student learning, which is given to around 150 individuals each year and held by 1,400 people worldwide.

The accolade is given to those who are highly experienced and/or senior staff with wide-ranging academic strategic leadership responsibilities in connection with key aspects of teaching and supporting learning. Sue achieved this through demonstrating her strategic impact and influence in relation to teaching and learning that extends beyond her own institution.

Sue, the Associate Head of School: Biosciences (the School of Science Technology and Health), has also previously been an institutional nominee for the National Teaching Fellow Scheme for the past three years. In 2020, her outstanding positive impact was recognised by winning the national HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year award, based on a holistic programme design that transforms student outcomes.

Susan Orr, Pro Vice Chancellor of Learning and Teaching at York St John University said: “ This recognition is a testament to the contribution Sue make to student and staff experience in her school, at YSJ and in the sector. I know just how much work goes into a Professional Fellowship submission and I am so pleased she was able to find the time to apply – particularly in light of how challenging this year has been. This is great news for YSJ and well as great news for Sue personally.”

“Her continuous work towards our degree apprenticeship programme underpins our mission statement that we are. Driven by our commitment to fairness, we focus our expertise, talents, and creativity to advance knowledge, promote understanding, and create educational opportunities for the benefit of all.”

The programme ranked sixteenth in the Guardian’s Best UK Universities 2021 league table based on consecutive NSS results. To date, 98 per cent of all graduating students have awarded the programme 100 per cent overall satisfaction, ranking it in the top five for the subject area in the UK annually (2018–2020).

Dr Sue Jones said: “I have a track record of successfully disseminating strategies to improve student retention, academic achievement, and enhance learning for diverse learner communities cross-institutionally and nationally for over ten years. Based on my sustained strategic leadership and positive influence that catalyses change, I was thrilled to achieve Principal Fellowship.”

York St John University has recently developed the applied Biosciences degree programmes and continues to work with local employers to extend its apprenticeship provision from its York and London campuses. Through its partnership with local NHS Trusts and the Biosciences industry, the University is providing value for money degree level training and increasing the size and shape of its undergraduate provision.

Apprenticeship courses are suitable for A-Level students and above and allow apprentices to ‘earn while they learn’ and gain a degree or Level 7 qualification. Businesses interested in enrolling members of their workforce in the apprenticeship programme can contact the team at apprenticeships@yorksj.ac.uk.