University of Surrey academics receive prestigious national teaching awards

Dr Sarah Hack, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, and Anna Holland, Associate Professor in Management at Surrey Business School, have received National Teaching Fellowships from Advance HE. 

The awards mark the University’s sixth consecutive year of success in Advance HE’s Teaching Excellence Awards. It is also the first time since 2015 that two Surrey academics have received National Teaching Fellowships in the same year. 

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession. UK higher education providers can nominate up to three members of staff, with no more than 55 fellowships awarded nationally each year. 

Dr Hack is Director of the Foundation Year in Psychology programme, which she joined the School of Psychology to develop in 2020. Her teaching focuses on helping students make a successful transition into degree-level study by embedding academic skills, wellbeing and resilience within the psychology curriculum. 

Her work includes developing inclusive approaches to learning and assessment, supporting students to engage constructively with feedback and exploring how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and effectively in education. 

Dr Sarah Hack said: 

“Receiving a National Teaching Fellowship is a tremendous honour. My teaching is driven by a desire to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at university and develops the confidence and skills to succeed, regardless of their background. 

“This recognition reflects the work of many inspiring students and talented colleagues who have helped shape our approach to inclusive teaching, academic development and student wellbeing. I am particularly proud of the work we have done to support students as they navigate the transition to higher education and develop the skills, resilience and self-belief that underpin long-term success.” 

Anna Holland is Deputy Head for Education in Surrey Business School’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation discipline. Her teaching is centred on active learning and authentic assessment, enabling students to connect academic ideas with meaningful, practical challenges. She has also contributed nationally to discussions about curriculum design, education-focused academic careers and the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education. 

Anna was previously recognised with Surrey Students’ Union’s Lynne Milward Award, receiving a highly commended Academic of the Year award for her work to inspire, support and engage students. 

Anna Holland said: 

“I am delighted and incredibly proud to receive this award. For me, excellent teaching is about creating opportunities for students to apply their learning to real challenges, take ownership of their development and recognise the value of their own ideas. 

“This fellowship also recognises the importance of collaboration. My teaching has been shaped by the students and colleagues I have worked with, and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to the projects, conversations and innovations behind this award.” 

Professor Annika Bautz, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education at the University of Surrey, said: 

“Congratulations to Sarah and Anna on being awarded this hugely prestigious award! Their work combines academic excellence with a deep understanding of what students need to thrive, both during their studies and beyond. 

“To have two colleagues named National Teaching Fellows in the same year is a remarkable achievement. It reflects their individual dedication while also demonstrating the strong culture of educational innovation, collaboration and student-centred teaching across our University.” 

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme is organised by Advance HE and recognises excellence across three areas – transforming student outcomes or the teaching profession, supporting colleagues and raising the profile of teaching excellence, and a sustained commitment to professional development. 

The new National Teaching Fellows will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in autumn 2026. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

• The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme is organised by Advance HE and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. 
• UK higher education institutions that are members of Advance HE may nominate up to three members of staff. Up to 55 National Teaching Fellowships will be awarded in 2026. 
• For further information, interviews or images, please contact the University of Surrey Media Team at mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk