Since winning her NTFS award in 2017, Judy has moved in new roles as Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning and Associate Vice President TL&S focusing on inclusivity and engagement
Judy Williams was a Professor of Academic Enhancement at the University of Manchester, Director of the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD) and Deputy Associate Dean for Staff Development. Judy excels in creating inclusive experiential learning programmes engaging colleagues with teaching and learning. Through CARD, Judy develops and delivers transformational educational packages that empower students and staff to be successful.
She showcases her teaching skills, strengths and abilities as an internationally-renowned expert in postgraduate research skill development, teaching and learning and leadership development. Judy has received numerous awards in recognition of her teaching excellence with the Vice Chair of the UK Council for Graduate Education and Director of the Graduate School, University of Reading describing her as "one of the most dedicated and gifted in her field, she produces innovative materials and imaginative lessons that remain sensitive to the audiences' needs, capturing hearts and minds, infecting others with her enthusiasm."
Impact of work
Judy's internationally-renowned Postgraduate Research Skill programmes evidence the impact that experiential learning has on research skill and leadership development. Her work with the African Midwives network has strengthened the leadership and project management skills for this group. It has also established a Community of Practice beyond the initial training. Judy uses her skills in coaching and emotional intelligence to engage with individual learners. She uses any feedback received to help understand the impact she is having as a teacher and identify ways, including the use of new and innovative methods of teaching, to develop further.
Plans for the Future
Judy never stops innovating and driving excellence forward. She is currently setting up a four-year PhD programme with an integrated postgraduate certificate in teaching and learning for graduate students to gain the skills and understanding of what teaching excellence means early in their careers. To support and enable colleagues to develop their teaching practice, she has established a teaching excellence framework with staff development programmes to embed and enhance an excellent teaching and student experience.