Published on 03 December 2018
A “visionary” tutor from the University of Sunderland is celebrating after scooping a top award.
Colin Rennie, a Senior Lecturer, Artist and Researcher, specialising in Hot Glass and Digital Crafts, and Drawing, says he is delighted he have picked up the national prize.
Colin has been named Visionary Tutor of the Year in Art and Design at the SBID Student Design Competition.
The lecturer received his award during a prestigious ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.
Colin was nominated by Glass and Ceramics graduate Jonathan Michie. Jonathan, 26, from Durham, won praise himself earlier this year for his final year Degree Show where he created a giant glass stag.
On receiving his award, Colin said: “At first I thought it was just a hoax when I got the initial email saying I had been nominated.
“The next thing I know I’m being asked to go to the Houses of Parliament for the award ceremony.”
The competition launched just this year in collaboration with Be Open to give students a life changing opportunity to win £30,000.
And while Colin, who has been at the University of Sunderland for 15 years, might not be reaping any financial rewards, he couldn’t be happier with his honour.
He said: “It’s just nice to be recognised by one of your own students at the end of the day.”
Professor Arabella Plouviez said: “We are all delighted and very proud of Colin’s achievement. It’s particularly satisfying that it was a student who nominated Colin, reflecting the high standards of our teaching and learning here in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries.”