UHI names Lou Hyett-Collins from Moray as its student of the year
A woman from Fochabers has been named overall student of the year at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Lou Hyett-Collins obtained a degree in Adult Nursing at the university’s centre for rural health studies in Inverness.
Having already being named that centre’s top student, she’s now been recognised as the best at the whole university.
Lou, who consistently earned high grades, received outstanding praise from her lecturers and accessors for her professionalism and dedication to academic excellence
She said: “I absolutely loved the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the academic challenge and the opportunities and rewards it provided.
“It was challenging at times, but the support I received from all lecturers was fantastic.
“Being a small university allows a personal touch and the opportunity to really get to know fellow students and lecturers - I’ve made friends for life.
“I’m delighted, grateful and honoured to have won these awards. I’ve had such a wide range of rewarding opportunities through UHI.”
Lou was the student representative for the 2021 cohort and also took a leading role in meetings between staff and students.
In addition she was the vice chairperson of the Royal College of Nursing’s student committee.
Having passed her degree she is now looking forward to her new role as a community nurse.
Back in October the Moray campus of UHI named Shaqayeq Nejah as its student of the year.
Shaqayeq, who completed a HNC in Applied Science, was forced to leave university in her homeland of Afghanistan when, in 2021, the religious fundamentalists swept to power and banned education to all females over the age of 11.