Professor Diane Butler has dedicated nearly three decades to transforming STEM education at The Open University, becoming a driving force for inclusive learning and a thriving Scholarship of Teaching and Learning culture. Diane's extensive career reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, student success, and colleague development. Her belief in every student's potential, coupled with deep respect for their perspectives, underpins all her evidence-based practices. As STEM Associate Dean, she addressed systemic inequalities, notably tackling persistent awarding gaps for minoritised STEM students. Beyond curriculum, she initiated numerous impactful EDIA projects that reduced attainment disparities across various schools, actively creating a more equitable and accessible learning landscape. Her leadership in establishing robust EDIA governance structures ensured these crucial issues remained at the forefront of faculty decision-making and strategic planning.
Diane’s visionary approach extended to creating impactful opportunities for underrepresented students through the STEM Inclusive Internship scheme. This innovation provided paid work experience, fostering genuine student co-creation in curriculum design and significantly improving student retention and employability. Its success resonated across the university, inspiring similar initiatives, and gained external recognition for its pioneering approach to student partnership. Furthermore, Diane fostered a vibrant, collaborative SoTL community, empowering colleagues across all academic roles and elevated teaching quality throughout the faculty. She was instrumental in extending scholarship across other OU faculties, ensuring a consistent approach to evidence-based practice, and disseminated effective teaching and learning practices across the sector and internationally. Diane's unwavering dedication to education cultivates an environment where all staff and students can truly thrive and achieve their full potential.