Two Birmingham Professors have been handed one of the UK’s most prestigious higher education teaching awards.

Birmingham City University lecturers Andrew Kulman, Professor of Graphic Art, and Professor Mark O’Hara, Associate Dean for Student Learning Experience have been named among the Higher Education Academy’s 55 new National Teaching Fellows.

The accolade is recognised as the top individual teaching honour for lecturers and researchers working at universities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The pair have been named amongst the new Fellows after being nominated for their commitment to teaching and supporting students.

Professor Kulman splits his time between working as a practice graphic artist and teaching, making a number of innovative curriculum designs and developing partnerships overseas.

He has worked with associations including D&AD and the Association of Illustrators and was elected to serve on the Representative Board of the European League of Institutes of the Arts last year.

A former early years and primary teacher, Professor O’Hara has dedicated his career in higher education to providing opportunities for students from all walks of life.

He has led a range of inclusivity projects at Birmingham City University and currently serves as the Chair of the UK RAISE Network’s Inclusive Practice SIG and sits on the Department for Education’s Disabled Students Sector Leadership Group.

Professor Andrew Kulman said: “It’s great to receive this award which recognises the importance of teaching to both our profession and our institution.

“It makes even more pleasing to be acknowledged in the field of art and design, which at its best has a genuinely significant role to play in people’s lives.

“This now gives me a platform to support others in working towards similar recognition which again is extremely for the University.”

Professor Mark O’Hara said:

“I am very pleased at the outcome and acutely conscious of the opportunities that the University has provided, as well as being indebted to the support and contributions of colleagues over the past four years, without which it wouldn't have been possible.”

All recipients will receive their awards at a special ceremony held in London on November 1.

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “

This award recognises the role teaching plays in higher education and the transformational impact that we can have for our students.

“The award of two of these prestigious accolades to our academic colleagues in the same year is recognition of their outstanding work, and provides further evidence of the commitment of our academic community to delivering innovative and sector-leading teaching.

“Andrew and Mark join a community of National Teaching Fellows at our University, and we will be celebrating their success with our students.”

The new National Teaching Fellows have been selected from across Wales, Northern Ireland and England – and come from across mission groups and from a broad range of subject areas.

The recipients were nominated by their institutions and submissions had to show evidence of three criteria – individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.

Higher Education Academy Chief Executive, Professor Stephanie Marshall, said:

“A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education. These awards represent a fantastic achievement by all 55 new NTFs. I am sure the whole sector joins me in applauding them in their success.

“I am also delighted that we have really high-calibre finalists for the Collaborative Award, and I congratulate each and every team.

“The UK is justifiably proud of its higher education sector and its reputation is enhanced by the examples of excellent teaching highlighted by these awards.”