National fellowship for Solent lecturer

Awarded by AdvanceHE, a charity which supports higher education to deliver the very best for students, staff and communities, the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme celebrates individuals who have had an outstanding impact when it comes to student outcomes. Additionally, it recognises those who are delivering the highest standard of teaching in higher education.

On this recognition, Rachel says, "I am incredibly proud and humbled to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. This recognition from AdvanceHE is a powerful validation of the practice-led approach I have championed at Southampton Solent University for over two decades. It signifies that our unwavering focus on active, real-world pedagogies, often established long before their widespread adoption across the sector, continues to drive meaningful change in student learning.

"This award reflects the outstanding teaching environment here at Solent, a triple TEF Gold institution, and is a shared success with my dedicated colleagues and the inspiring students whose journeys I have been fortunate to guide towards successful graduate outcomes."

Alongside her successful career in higher education, which has been spent enhancing learning and teaching experiences at Solent, Rachel has been a journalist for more than two decades. She has written pieces on fashion, lifestyle and celebrity for publications including Glamour Magazine and Fabulous, and contributed to many of the UK's national newspapers, interviewing key figures in politics, fashion and entertainment.

Solent's Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Professor Sarah Jones, says:

"Rachel exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator; her work is innovative, purposeful, and underpinned by a deep commitment to student success. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on students and staff at Southampton Solent University and beyond."

In 2024, Rachel co-authored a research paper on collaborative learning with Solent's Learning Design Manager, Dr Carina Buckley and Dr Sabrina Vieth, Head of Learning and Teaching. Entitled The Living CV, this project was created to support students in developing their employability skills and evidence their learning outcomes.

At Solent, Rachel gives students the opportunity to gain insight and experience into create a magazine through Carbon - an art and fashion publication which champions emerging talent in the creative industries. Rachel's inimitable commitment to connecting students to industry opportunities showcases her passion for higher education which emphasises real-world opportunities.

 Sabrina says:

"As Solent's Teaching Excellence Award Lead, I am excited to celebrate Rachel's deserved recognition as National Teaching Fellow. Supporting Rachel through the submission process gave me the opportunity to reflect with her on the many examples of her outstanding contributions to learning and teaching over more than 20 years.

"Rachel is truly dedicated to Solent and its mission to create opportunities for every students. She is full of ideas, always at the forefront of new developments, and shares her practices with the true intention to inspire and support others. I am so proud of Rachel and delighted that this is formerly acknowledged through this prestigious award."