School of Applied Human Sciences Recognises Staff Achievements

‘I am extremely grateful for the extraordinary commitment of School colleagues. Across our classes, offices, boardrooms, tea rooms, hallways and in every Discipline, clinic, division, and service, our colleagues demonstrate the expertise and enthusiasm that makes Applied Human Sciences at the University exceptional,’ said Steyn. ‘You inspire greatness by epitomising UKZN’s values of respect, excellence, accountability, client-centeredness, honesty and trust. Your commitment and dedication is deeply appreciated. For colleagues who did not receive an award, please be assured that you are a winner in no small measure.’ An awards panel constituting support and academic staff representatives selected winners in the 12 categories. The Dean’s Floating Shield (support staff member) and Dean’s Floating Trophy (academic staff member) were awarded to Ms Priya Padayachee and Professor Donal McCracken, respectively for their contribution to the image of the School. Through motivated nominations from within the School, the winners of the other ten categories were:

• Research Award: Most innovative publication by an emerging academic – Dr Eliza Govender.
• Research Award: Most prestigious publication by an established academic – Dr Eliza Govender, Dr Lauren Dyll, Professor Donal McCracken, Professor Keyan Tomaselli and Professor Ruth Teer-Tomaselli.
• Teaching and Learning Award: Most innovative technological Teaching and Learning practice by an emerging academic – Ms Kerry Frizelle.
• Teaching and Learning Award: Most innovative technological Teaching and Learning practice by an established academic – Dr Nicholas Munroe.
• Community Engagement Award: The most original contribution by a staff member in building bridges between the university and society – Dr Boitumelo Seepamore.
• Most promising emerging academic in the field of Leadership – Dr Sarah Gibson.
• Best ‘Team’ in the professional sector – Ms Cindy Naicker, Ms Patricia Mthethwa and Ms Neliswa Mtselu.
• Professional sector: Cool Head in a Crisis – Mrs Pops Pillay and Ms Ayanda Ntuli.
• Professional sector: Tenacity and Hard Work – Ms Sharon Hattingh.
• Staff member who has best promoted Bilingualism in a practical fashion in the School – Ms Zandile Madlabana-Luthuli.

Award recipient and Director and academic co-ordinator for the Centre for Communication, Media and Society, Professor Teer-Tomaselli said, ‘We have the best job in the world…to teach young people and when they graduate, we feel that everything was worth the effort. We have the best administrative staff in the College. The Dean has underscored a need for balance between life and work. You cannot have one without exceling in the other.’ Professional staff awardees Padayachee said, ‘I would like to dedicate this award to each and every professional staff member in the School.’ While Hattingh added, ‘I really enjoy the role I play within the discipline. Especially the interaction with both the student body and the academic staff, in providing the necessary services they require as well as meeting the University’s deadlines. My aim is to make the student body content with our professional services and to allow them to have the best learning experience for the entire duration that they are under our wing.’