Established through the generous donation of Loughborough alum, Chris Gill, the Academy was created to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. It plays a key role in delivering the University’s Access and Participation Plan, contributing to improving the equality of opportunity for specific groups of students at different stages of the student journey. It provides access to mentoring and tailored support focused on both academic success and positive employment outcomes.
With an emphasis on skills development, the Academy concentrates on key moments, including starting university, entering and returning from placements, progressing into the final year, and transitioning into graduate life.
The anniversary celebrations began with the Personal Best Certificate Ceremony, recognising students who completed the Personal Best Award during the last academic year. Through the award, students develop skills and knowledge across four of the 15 Personal Best skill areas. This year, 163 students have successfully completed the Award, which will be formally recognised on their degree transcripts.
Colleagues from the Student Success Academy also presented an overview of the Academy’s achievements over the past academic year to Chris Gill and Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience. The presentation highlighted the positive impact of key programmes, including peer mentoring, group coaching and Personal Best, on Academy members. To thank Chris for his support of and recognise the impact that it has made on Loughborough Students, Vice Chancellor Nick Jennings presented Chris with a VC Gold Pin.
The day concluded with the annual Student Success Academy Celebration Evening. This awards ceremony featured six award categories, with trophies presented to 29 students and graduates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Academy programmes. Award recipients were commended for going above and beyond in both their engagement and commitment. During the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Rachel Thomson, reflected on the impact of Chris’ generous donation to the Academy since its launch, highlighting 28,993 student interactions to date and the tangible difference this has made to students' academic journeys.
Find out more about the Student Success Academy and its programmes.