NEWS
Which three words mean Keele to you?
Supported. Pushed. Home.
Nicola Edwards is the ninth recipient of the
Neil and Gina Smith Student of the Year
Award. Nicola graduated with first class
honours in Criminology and Sociology
and she is now following a masters in
Criminology and Criminal Justice at Keele.
Professor Bill Dixon describes Nicola as an
“exceptionally able student” who has made
a “unique contribution to Keele and the
wider community”.
Having left education at 16 and worked
in a succession of low paid jobs, Nicola
came to Keele via an access course
which she completed while carrying out
voluntary work. In addition to attaining
exceptionally high marks for her academic
work, Nicola’s involvement in student
societies has ensured that they have
provided positive experiences with an
ethos based on community involvement,
such as establishing food bank collections
and raising money for Women’s Aid. Nicola
was also a course representative, providing
representation and advocacy in relation
to academic studies. Nicola was awarded
a Santander Student Fellowship to study
street art in Chile and worked with ASK
(Advice and Support at Keele, KeeleSU’s
professional support service).
Nicola speaks with warmth and passion
about her journey into higher education,
her academic subjects, volunteering
and her future plans to enthuse others
and help them reach their potential.
Nicola’s achievements are even more
impressive when you learn that she
has four children and came to Keele as
a single mother.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH NICOLA q
Forever Keele 2015 | 77