Solent Lecturer shortlisted for Masters Teacher of the Year 2020

A Lecturer in the School of Art, Design and Fashion at Solent University has been shortlisted in the 2020 Postgrad Awards for Masters Teacher of the Year.

Jessica Holtaway, who teaches on the MA Visual Communication course along with a number of BA courses, is one of just seven people to have been shortlisted in the category for the awards, which are run by FindAMasters.com and FindAPhD.com.

The Masters Teacher of the Year award aims to celebrate the individual who has created the most positive and encouraging learning environment, gives their students high-quality constructive feedback, is passionate about their subject, and always put the students first - the teachers who inspire students to think beyond the programme, and ultimately give their students an excellent foundation for their future careers.

“It was such a lovely surprise to find out that I had been nominated,” exclaims Jessica. “I was elated! 

“Having been a student for so long myself, I know how challenging it can be to balance work, life and study, and I always aim to foster, and contribute to, an environment that is both supportive and allows for the free exploration of ideas.

“It's wonderful to be a part of a team that makes that happen and it's great to know that students are enjoying the MA Visual Communications. The warmth, support and inspiration from colleagues and students has created a positive learning environment that I feel privileged to be a part of.”

Jessica completed a PhD at Goldsmiths and brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and innovative pedagogic approaches to her teaching on MA Visual Communication. 

Jennifer Anyan, Head of Postgraduate Provision, adds: "Jess inspires students who practice in a range of design disciplines to deepen their critical enquiry, integrating analysis of social and political ideas with aesthetic and curatorial practices - student feedback has been excellent, without exception. 

"Jessica's personal area of research interest is the relationship between creativity and crisis. I cannot think of a subject that seems more prescient today, in terms of how we educate postgraduate students to help them to comprehend the potential contribution art and design can make at this present moment.  Our nomination of Jessica for this award recognises her excellence and is a gesture to thank her for the valuable contribution she makes to our School and the people within it."

The 2020 Postgrad Awards are in their second year, and have five categories including Masters Student of the Year, PhD Student of the Year, Masters Teacher of the Year, PhD Supervisor of the Year and Best PG Student Experience Initiative.

The winner from Masters Teacher of the Year will be announced on August 17, and will then be promoted via the FindAMasters.com and FindAPhD.com e-newsletter (reaching almost 90,000 people), blog pages and social media channels to showcase their success so far, their winning application, and their course and opportunities.