University of Hull lecturer Dr Nick Evans has been recognised by the Royal Historical Society for his innovative teaching at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
Dr Evans, a Senior Lecturer in diaspora history, was recognised as a runner-up for the Jinty Nelson Inspirational Teaching and Supervision Award.
Judges from the Royal Historical Society praised Dr Evans for his “deep commitment to giving students from all walks of life the ability to learn beyond the classroom.”
Dr Evans said: “I’d like to say a special thanks to all my amazing students (past and present) and fabulous colleagues who helped me come second in one of the UK’s most prestigious teaching awards for History.
“Such recognition by the world’s oldest historical society is humbling, and I am thrilled it is helping to shine a light on the hard work that everyone in History does here at the University of Hull to deliver a world-class learning experience.”
Dr Evans conceived and developed the Hull History Network in 2019, providing students with new opportunities to enhance their CV and employability skills.
Over the last two years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Network has created links with local businesses, heritage and educational organisations, and has helped provide students with work placement opportunities.
The Hull History Network also gives students the chance to deepen their knowledge of history and their understanding of the world of work.
Judges said of Dr Evans: “Nicholas’ work on this project is rooted in his deep commitment to giving students from all walks of life the ability to learn beyond the classroom.
“His support is wide-ranging, from the writing of CVs and completing application forms, to team working and public engagement. It is no surprise that his work has already been recognised with several awards by his own students and colleagues.
“The panel of judges were in full agreement that his inspirational work was also worthy of recognition by the RHS.”
Throughout his career at the University of Hull, Dr Evans has gone above and beyond to support students with career-enhancing opportunities.
In his time at Hull, Dr Evans has arranged postgraduate conferences on slavery in post-Apartheid South Africa and organised study trips to Auschwitz for future teachers.
Speaking about his award from the Royal Historical Society, he said: “Thanks especially to every member of the Hull History Network, especially colleagues from Hull Museums, who have spent time during lockdown providing opportunities for our students to expand their experience of the world of work.”
The RHS Awards recognise and celebrate some of the excellent work in research, publishing and teaching undertaken by historians.
For all the 2021 winners and runners-up, visit https://royalhistsoc.org/news/rhs-awards-2021-winners-and-runners-up-announced/.
