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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Denise McIlwaine, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College pictrued with the IT Services Team, Winner of Professional Services Team of the Year award.
Northern Regional College has honoured the outstanding achievements and dedication of its staff at its annual Staff Awards ceremony. The event recognised the hard work and commitment across the curriculum and professional services teams, who continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of students and strengthening the College’s reputation for excellence.
Students from Media, Performing Arts and Hospitality & Catering curriculum areas assisted lecturing staff at the event and those guests in attendance were treated to performances by the student choir and soloists throughout the morning.
Congratulating all the award winners, as well as those nominated, Chair of the Governing Body, Ken Nelson MBE, paid tribute to staff for their unwavering dedication, resilience and commitment. He highlighted the importance of the Staff Awards as a key College event, recognising the outstanding contributions of individual staff members and teams across the College.
The awards received an impressive 106 nominations across 13 categories, showcasing the depth of talent, dedication, and teamwork within the College. There were two new categories this year, Good For ME Good For FE and Inspirational Role Model Awards, recognising that there are many ways to positively impact colleagues, our students and the College.
Principal and Chief Executive Mel Higgins praised the event’s success and the strong sense of community reflected in the nominations.
“It is inspiring to see how well-supported our Staff Awards have become, with colleagues recognising and celebrating each other’s hard work. Their passion, support for students and commitment to their colleagues make Northern Regional College a fantastic place to work and learn.”
IN PICTURES: Northern Regional College celebrates excellence at annual staff awards
He continued, “Our staff work tirelessly to ensure that every learner is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. This year’s winners exemplify the values at the heart of Northern Regional College, excellence, collaboration and a deep commitment to education.
"With our Ballymena campus development well underway and our new Causeway campus recently opened, we are entering an exciting new chapter, one that will provide world-class education and training opportunities. By fostering talent, embracing new technologies, and strengthening industry partnerships, we will continue to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving world and contribute to Northern Ireland’s economy.”
The Staff Awards provided a well-earned moment of recognition for the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to create an inspiring learning environment. With the College’s ambitious plans for growth and innovation, these dedicated staff members will continue to be at the heart of its success.
Award Winners
The 2024 Staff Award Winners & Highly Commended Recipients were:
Curriculum Team of the Year:- Winner: Level 3 Information Technology Team; Highly Commended: Level 4 HNC Early Childhood HNC Team
Inspirational Role Model of the Year:- Winner: Sharon Eatwell; Highly Commended: Adele Brennan
Excellence in Teaching Innovation:- Winner: Sandra Hamilton; Highly Commended: Martin Hay
New Start of the Year:- Winner: Catherine Mooney; Highly Commended: Rhiannon Conlon
Project-Based Learning Champion:- Winner: Victoria Smyth; Highly Commended: Sarah Thompson
Team Player of the Year:- Winner: Fiona Gault; Highly Commended: Fionnuala Devlin
Best New Course:- Winner: Level 2 Youthwork Team; Highly Commended: Level 3 Nail Tech and Entrepreneurship
Professional Services Team of the Year:- Winner: IT Services; Highly Commended: Admissions and Campus Services Team
Excellence in Supporting Students:- Winner: Emma Mason; Highly Commended: Anne Marie McAleese
Good For ME Good For FE:- Winner: Hair and Beauty Team; Highly Commended: Admissions and Campus Services Team
Entrepreneurship:- Winner: Hayley Millar; Highly Commended: Beauty Therapy Team
Professional Services Team Member of the Year:- Winner: Kerry Reilly; Highly Commended: Vanessa Tyler
Lecturer of the Year:- Winner: Stuart Cullen; Highly Commended: Chris Keating
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