David Allen Hero of the Year Award

Voting has now closed for the David Allen Hero of the Year award. Thanks to everyone who voted - the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 28 June

Please see the below paragraphs and videos which detail why each individual has been nominated and celebrate the achievements of our five finalists. 

Congratulations to our five fantastic shortlisted colleagues:

Alan Orgée

Gas Manager & Deputy Manager for Direct Works, Estate Services

Alan has been nominated for being an individual who gives everything he could offer to his job to support the ongoing development of his team and the university. He invests significant personal time to gain qualifications and increase his knowledge to support ongoing operations. In his role he has been vital at driving a commended audit, and has had a long standing relationship with Exeter College suppporting apprentices with work experience within the university. Alan's managerial skill has earned him huge respect from colleagues and his dedication, support and training for his colleagues ensures the university is safe, compliant, operates smoothly and scores of customers are happy.

 

Catriona Taylor

Education Business Partner, Education and Student Support (Penryn)

Catriona has been nominated for the fantastic leadership of the education team in Penryn. She provides outstanding support for both staff and students; is the go-to person for any student-related queries and always supports in a helpful, efficient and pragmatic way. Catriona is always willing to listen to academics and discuss ways to better support education goals. She is also highly strategic and is very quick to spot potential areas of concern before they become a problem. Her colleagues feel very reassured working with her and appreciated the huge positive difference she makes to working at the University.

 

Chris Evans

Assistant Director - Regional Impact and Innovation, Innovation, Impact and Business 

Chris has been nominated in recognition of her extraordinary year, developing a range of regional bids, managing the change around the Innovation Centre, bringing together the Degree apprenticeships team, building several new teams in Cornwall, growing the student entrepreneurships activity and strengthening relationships with the LEPs and the City.  She has been working in the background energetically with extreme professionalism supporting the DVC Professor Mark Goodwin and other senior University leaders to improve our regional standing and make things happen.

 

Claire Keyte

Research Finance & Development Manager, Research Services - College of Humanities

Claire has been nominated because of the support she gives to her academic colleagues to achieve funding support for research activities and ensuring events are organised smoothly and efficiently so that they can achieve their research objectives, and consequently those of the College of Humanities and, ultimately, of the University. Claire also has been recognised for her role in maintaining Exeter's external reputation whilst looking after external partners. She has been particularly celebrated for the breadth and depth of her knowledge, her innovation in approaching projects, and for her kindness to other colleagues.

 

Eli McCutchion

Education and Student Experience Business Partner, College of Humanities

Eli has been nominated because of her response to key challenges that come from both academic staff and students and has been particularity noted for her dedication throughout the strike mitigation process. Eli has been celebrated for always being one step ahead of issues and her proactive nature as well as responsive to issues that arise. She has been described as incredibly knowledgeable, an excellent multitasker, and excells at handling her varied and complex tasks which span several areas. In addition to this she has worked really hard this term to develop new College initiatives such as a new Education Strategy and new approaches to Widening Participation.