The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has awarded professorial titles to two academics in recognition of their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, academic leadership and regional impact.

Andrew Jennings has been awarded the title Professor of Island Studies, while Su Bryan becomes Professor of Tertiary Education Ecosystems.

In another set of awards  individuals and groups who have made a significant impact on the student experience across UHI have been selected by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA). Winners and highly commended recipients were selected by a student judging panel made up of HISA elected officers and faculty interns following more than 600 nominations submitted by students.

The 2026 HISA Award winners and highly commended recipients are:

Above and Beyond – Staff Award, Winner: Shaun Escott, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Portree. Highly Commended: Victoria-Lee Rice, UHI Perth

Best Assessment Feedback, Winner: Peter Randall, UHI Orkney. Highly Commended: Fiona Desmond, UHI Inverness.

Best Personal Academic or Learning Support, Winner: Amanda Reid, UHI Moray. Highly Commended: Jamie Brown, UHI Moray

Best Professional Services or Support Staff, Winner: Stephen Brown, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Stornoway. Highly Commended: Tracey Cooper, UHI Orkney.

Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor, Winner: Bhavani Narayanaswamy, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), a partner of UHI. Highly Commended: Colleen MacLean, UHI Perth

Best Student Club or Society, Winner: Wild Swimming Society, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Fort William.

Most Engaging Online Delivery, Winner: Christine Hughson, UHI Shetland. Highly Commended: Fiona Harper, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Thurso

Most Inspiring Lecturer, Winner: Nicholas Chambers, UHI Moray. Highly Commended: Claire Taylor, UHI Perth

Most Inspiring Student – The Students’ Choice, Winner: Linda Wiseman, UHI Shetland. Highly Commended: Annie Anderson, UHI Orkney.

Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Student Services at UHI, said:

“Congratulations to all this year’s winners and highly commended recipients. To win, be highly commended, or to be nominated speaks loudly to the individual and collective work undertaken to support our students.

“The HISA Awards are especially meaningful because the nominations come directly from students, recognising the positive impact staff and peers have had on their student experience. Thank you to everyone who continues to make UHI such a supportive and inspiring place to study and work.”

Many winners will receive their awards during graduation ceremonies later this year.

Further information about the HISA Awards and the work of HISA can be found on the HISA website.

Commenting about the awards of professorial titles, Professor Brian Williams, Deputy Principal Academic and Research at UHI, said:

“These appointments recognise two exceptional individuals whose work exemplifies the values and ambitions of UHI.

“Andrew Jennings has established an international reputation in island studies through deeply engaged, place-based scholarship rooted in Shetland and connected across the North Atlantic and beyond.

“Su Bryan has played a transformative leadership role across tertiary education, skills development and regional partnership working, helping shape UHI’s identity and impact over more than two decades.

“Both professors embody our commitment to being bold, connected and community-focused, and I warmly congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

Both professors will deliver inaugural professorial lectures in autumn 2026, with Professor Su Bryan speaking in Inverness and Professor Andrew Jennings delivering his lecture in Shetland. Further details will be announced in due course.