Sunderland university tutor recognised for devotion to woodwork

Mar 11 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

Spotting a woodwork module she “fancied having a go at”, she trained to become an industrial designer, specialising in furniture design.

And she has never looked back, moving south to teach in Leicester before heading home to the North East and to Sunderland, where she has taught for the past 20 years.

Now living in Allendale, Northumberland, the professor is set to have her contribution to teaching rewarded next week with the highest accolade for someone in her field of expertise.

Stephanie, who has three children and four grandchildren, will travel to London to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Design and Technology Education Award. She said: “You only get this once. This is the highest award I can be given by my peers in the UK.

“I had no idea I had been nominated, it came totally out of the blue. I feel very proud.

“Everyone knows how passionate I am about this subject. At the university, I teach students training to become teachers to design.

“I absolutely believe if they understand how to design themselves, they can get pupils in their own schools to design.

“Everything I do is to make them the best teachers they can be.”

Asked when she might retire, Stephanie, who’s also been head of 3D studies and a lecturer at Loughborough University, said: “When I stop enjoying doing what I do, then it’s time to go.”

Sunderland University’s vice chancellor, Professor Peter Fidler, who believes the recognition of his colleague’s work is well deserved, said: “I am delighted for Stephanie. She is a great example of the level of staff we are fortunate to have at the university, dedicated to her field and to ensuring our students get the best possible experience.”