Super supportive Fashion Lecturer Jane receives top award after student’s nomination

An academic from the University of Northampton has been recognised for her outstanding student support at a glittering awards reception held at the House of Commons.

Senior Lecturer, Jane Mills, was named Visionary Tutor for Fashion 2018 at the Society of British & International Design (SBID) Student Design Competition after being nominated by her former student, Jennie Hardie.

Jennie, who graduated from the Textiles for Fashion course in the summer, said: “I have never known a tutor to be so dedicated and passionate about her students and the industry.

“Jane was always there supporting us students, from early morning and quite a lot of the time until very late at night.

“She did this selflessly and tirelessly, helping us to be the best that we could be and to reflect that in our work – Jane was always pushing us to be the best.

“Having left the University in June, I still feel there Jane is there to offer support and guidance – she is so knowledgeable and always has such important advice which Is so helpful.

“I feel she really deserves some recognition, she is always the one behind the scenes organising everything perfectly.”

Jane said: “I am so proud and honoured to have won the Visionary Tutor Award for Fashion, and would like to thank Jennie for her nomination and also for her belief in me.”

Jennie was also up for an award at the reception, which was held on Thursday 29 November.

Jennie Hardie at the awards evening

She was shortlisted for the Student Fashion gong after her collection of six cosmic universe-inspired outfits caught the judges’ attention.

Paying tribute to Jennie’s skills, Jane said: “To be nominated was an incredible achievement for Jennie, as students from more than 90 universities entered the various award categories, so the competition was very fierce indeed.

Jennie added: “I have enjoyed my time so much at Northampton and I would definitely recommend the Textiles for Fashion course. It was made more special for me due to the staff, like Jane as well as the technicians, that make the course what it is. Everyone is always there for support and guidance, which I feel is different to a lot of universities out there.”

Jennie’s collection which was shortlisted for an award at the SBID Student Design Competition