At this year’s Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Awards Ceremony, it was announced that Dr Non Vaughan Williams, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media at Swansea University, won the Celebrate Your Lecturer award.
This award is presented to a lecturer who has made a significant difference to students’ lives at university, and nominations come directly from the students themselves.
Originally from Tregaron, Dr Vaughan Williams now lives in Llanddarog near Carmarthen. She was nominated by Cara Walters, a student at Swansea University.
Cara said: “Non has made a significant difference to the learning experiences of Welsh-speaking students across the institution. She has led employability projects to ensure we have suitable, purposeful and relevant courses and resources that specifically prepare us for a career in the media in Wales.
“Non’s enthusiasm and passion for ensuring that content and resources are available in Welsh is incredible and shows her determination to ensure equal opportunities for Welsh-speaking students within the University.
“She was also responsible for establishing a panel of media industry experts to advise the department on the needs of today’s Welsh workplaces and to ensure the course is modern, relevant and forward-thinking.”
Dr Vaughan Williams received the award at a special ceremony hosted by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in Carmarthen on 19 June: “This award means a lot to me because it was the students who nominated me. I’ve been teaching in the higher education sector for a number of years, so it’s lovely to receive recognition that I’m still doing something right!
“The award will give me the confidence to continue enriching the student experience, despite the challenges and changes in the sector.
“Looking ahead, I hope to incorporate innovative teaching methods in the classroom so that students graduate with confidence and are ready to enter the world of work or pursue postgraduate research.”
The award was presented by Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of S4C, who said: “Her aim and passion is to provide the best possible opportunities for students of all confidence levels, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, and to prepare them for a successful career in contemporary Wales.”
On the same evening, 13 individuals were recognised by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol for their outstanding work, achievements or contributions to the school, further education, apprenticeships and higher education sectors in Wales.
Learn more about Media and Communications at Swansea University.