The new Head of the School of Law at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious academic prizes of its kind.
Michelle Clarke is in the running for the Oxford University Press Law Teacher of the Year award.
The award celebrates lecturers who demonstrate extraordinary teaching skills, passion for their subject and a commitment to their students’ success.
Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and highlights an individual’s dedication and impact in the field of legal education.
Michelle, who is also the Professional Policing Course Lead, said: “It’s amazing, I’m thrilled and very humbled not just for me but also for the School of Law and the University.”
She continued: “When you see the people who are also in the running and to be among them is just incredible.”
Michelle joined the University of Worcester in 2019 as a Senior Lecturer in Policing after a 17-year career with West Mercia Police where she achieved the rank of Detective Sergeant.
Speaking about her shortlisting, she said: “I think a lot of it came down to how you inspire your students beyond the classroom, and how an individual can impact a student’s journey and their future beyond simply being their lecturer.”
Professor Lisa Stansbie, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Education, Culture and Society at the University of Worcester said: “We are incredibly proud to see Michelle nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s testament to her dedication to her students.”
She continued: “At Worcester, all of our lecturers pride themselves on the level of dedication they put into their lectures, but they also put a lot of emphasis on how they as teachers can impact a student’s journey and their future through valuable work placements and support with their long-term career goals.”
Michelle said she wants to use her shortlisting to show how you don’t need to come from a conventional legal background to thrive in the world of law.
She said: “I want to show that the law isn’t just about traditional subjects and careers.”
She continued: “I graduated in Worcester, in the city’s Cathedral more than 25 years ago, and since then I’ve had an incredibly varied career in policing and teaching.”
She added: “The fact that I went from policing Worcester to being the Head of the City’s Law School shows how diverse a career in law can truly be.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk