Impressionist Rory Bremner handed the prize to Vice-Chancellor John Latham at a ceremony put on by the Times Higher Education Awards. The recognition could aid student recruitment and boost printing in Coventry. Professor Latham said:
“This is a landmark achievement for Coventry University and a wonderful testament to our staff who have worked so hard to make this such a successful year. There’s much to celebrate, but it’s what’s going on beyond the accolades and league table positions that is what I’m most proud of.”
The judges involved in the decision were impressed by three elements of policy at Coventry University. They appreciated that the staff prioritised improving things for students. They liked the risks the institution took to boost the chances of its students succeeding. They also rated the efforts that the university made to help access.
Coventry University also won recognition in this year’s National Student Survey. Students were grateful for the emphasis staff put on personal development.
The general achievements of the university have been underlined in the Good University Guide. This is published by the Sunday Times and the Times. The guide gave Coventry University the status of ‘Modern University of the Year’ and the decision helped make 2015 a special one for all the people responsible for progress. Professor Latham has thanked students and local firms as well as staff.