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Highest educational honour received by º£½ÇÖ±²¥ academic

Dr Simon Stobart has joined an elite list becoming the first º£½ÇÖ±²¥ academic to receive a prestigious Principal Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

The Principal Fellowship is the highest fellowship bestowed by the HEA and is awarded to a select number of academics who have excelled in the strategic leadership of teaching and learning. Dr Stobart joined º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 2008 and became Dean of the School of Computing two years later.

To be considered for a Principal Fellowship, Dr Stobart had to submit a considerable portfolio of work demonstrating his contribution to higher education.

Dr Stobart was instrumental in the creation of the SPACE, a student learning and social lounge in the School of Computing, which allows students an opportunity to gather and interact outside classes.

He highlighted his support of both ExpoTees and Animex – two hugely successful annual events at º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

ExpoTees is a showcase of final year work by students in the School of Computing. It is also an opportunity for businesses to come and meet students and recruit bright new talent to their organisations.

Animex, now approaching its 14th year, is the UK’s largest and longest running festival dedicated to animation and computer games and attracts industry experts from all over the world.

Reflecting on his accolade, Dr Stobart said: 'I am extremely proud to receive the Principal Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy.

'It demonstrates the professional credibility of both the School of Computing and º£½ÇÖ±²¥. Furthermore it is additional recognition of the high quality experience students receive here.'

There are three levels of Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy – Fellowship, Senior and Principal.

Dr Stobart grew up in Morpeth and gained his lifelong interest of computers thanks to his father Kenneth. Since joining º£½ÇÖ±²¥ he has played a key role in the School of Computing’s international developments and establishing º£½ÇÖ±²¥ as a leading university for computer, animation and games courses.

He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Chartered Membership and Higher Education Accreditation Assessor and holds an ACAS Certificate in Internal Workplace Mediation. Dr Stobart will now act as a mentor to help further senior academic staff at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ achieve Principal Fellowship.

Professor Stephanie Marshall, Chief Executive of HEA, said: 'Principal Fellowship is a key milestone in the career of any learning and teaching professional in higher education. Principal Fellows are key strategic leaders in the development of learning and teaching at the institutional, national and international level.

'The level of experience and expertise they bring into higher education institutions will be of great benefit to students and colleagues alike.'

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