Dr Kenisha Linton-Williams

Associate Professor of Management (Teaching and Scholarship) 

Dr Kenisha Linton-Williams joined the University of Greenwich in 2016 and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Management in the Business School. Kenisha earned her PhD in Management from Royal Holloway, University of London. As a social scientist, her research is primarily focuses on investigating issues related to inclusion, diversity, and equity, in various organisational contexts, including the police services in England and Scotland, the National Health Service (NHS), the Church of England, the British Council, Fire and Rescue Services, various higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK, and the UK Civil Service. Kenisha is actively engaged in research and intervention programmes pertaining to the experiences and outcomes of minority ethnic students within UK schools and higher education institutions. 

Her affiliations include being an Honorary Fellow (Race Equality) at Queen Margaret University, Scotland, a Fellow at the Institute for Educational and Social Equity, a member of the European Academy of Management (EURAM), and an academic member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (MCIPD). She has achieved recognition as a Senior Fellow at Advance HE and is also a Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE), conferred by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS). 

She has received this award in recognition of her exceptional commitment and dedication to my campaign and wellbeing of BAME students. She has demonstrated an unwavering passion and selflessness in ensuring the success of each student.

Andy Ekins

Head of Medway Shared Library and IT Services 

Over two decades of experience working in the higher education sector, predominantly within academic libraries. A highly skilled leader with extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies to deliver improved experiences for students. Proficient in strategic planning, people management, library performance management, and developing creative solutions. BSc(hons) in computing and IT, MA in management, and MCLIP chartered librarian. 

Andy has received this award in respect of his exceptional dedication and tireless endeavours in spearheading the establishment of the new postgraduate room at Drill Hall Library. Andy's steadfast commitment and resolute determination have played a pivotal role in advancing this project. 

Noel-Ann Bradshaw

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science

Noel-Ann Bradshaw is the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science.  In this capacity, she has worked with the SU at Medway to promote student visibility, particularly during the academic year. 

She has received this award because of her exceptional support to SU campaigns. Her commitment to student leadership and development is evident in her willingness to invest time and effort in supporting students' endeavours. Noel-Ann Bradshaw’s mentorship and encouragement have made profound impact on student life, and her dedication to fostering student engagement and success embodies the spirit of our university community. 

Rachel Ashton

Faculty Operating Officer of the Faculty of Business

“I am very proud to be a female leader at the University of Greenwich. It is a very exciting time for the institution. We have an ambitious strategy which aligns with my personal and professional values. I feel excited to support its successful delivery. 

I studied for my first degree at Greenwich 28 years ago and have worked at the university for 20+ years, my roles have included Director of Resources, Head of Administrative Services and Faculty Operating Officer for both FEHHS and the Greenwich Business School. 

I care deeply about the student experience, and as Executive Director of Student and Academic Services I am committed to making a positive impact. I utilise my deep knowledge of higher education to build student designed processes and use my strong networks to make positive change.” 

Rachel has received this award for her outstanding dedication to student support and her unwavering commitment to empowering and assisting the GSU Officer Team. Rachel approachability and willingness to go above and beyond make her a true asset to our university community. 

Shapna Compton

Assistant Head of Student Wellbeing Service (Disability & Dyslexia) 

Shapna Compton has worked in the field of education since 2001 in various capacities including as a Governor at 2 primary schools, Governor at a secondary school, IT teacher at a secondary school, specialist teacher and assessor for specific learning difficulties, Senior Curriculum Manager for Additional Learning Support at a further education college and now as the Assistant Head of Student Wellbeing Service (Disability & Dyslexia) at the University of Greenwich. 

Shapna is also a Tottenham fan, which automatically makes people feel sorry for her but she lives in hope that a trophy will be won one day! 

Shapna feels very lucky to be part of the University of Greenwich community and is always looking for opportunities to work collaboratively, especially with GSU and disabled students, to find innovative ways of supporting disabled students and enhancing their overall experience. Shapna believes that equity in access in education is paramount.

Shapna has been nominated because of her commitment to and advocacy for disabled students, and the profound impact she has in shaping an accessible educational experience. 

Nazima Ahmed

Graduate Teaching Support Assistant

“I joined Greenwich as a student five years ago and have been teaching here for a little over a year. Within my role, I teach Psychology seminars, support my two tutor groups, provide one-to-one academic support, and conduct research into the experiences of ethnic minority students. 

As an educator it is vital for me to support my students from every angle. My students know how much I love teaching statistics and I focus on making typically intimidating topics more accessible and approachable. However, my role extends beyond the classroom - I support students pastorally to enhance their capacity for learning and progression too. 

This has been facilitated by the GSU. I admire how inclusive and supportive the SU is to all of our students. This ranges from short catch-ups to events hosted for, and even alongside, our student communities. Their dedication to student wellbeing and success is commendable and is hugely appreciated by staff and students alike. 

I feel incredibly privileged to be pursuing a career in academia and am grateful that I can contribute to the student experience in a meaningful way.” 

Nazima has received this award in recognition of her work empowering and supporting students. Nazima stands out for being exceptionally approachable and supportive, making herself available to students for extra help, feedback, or even just a listening ear. Her commitment to student welfare and academic success sets her apart as a teacher. 

Hester Burnige

Employability Skills Manager

Hester has worked, studied, and volunteered in a range of roles within Higher Education since 2000, starting at Liverpool Hope University as Assistant Mentoring Co-Ordinator. She joined the University of Greenwich in 2015 following a six-year period working for the Civil Service at the Charity Commission. Hester first role at Greenwich was leading wellbeing and employability support within the Department of Computing and Information Systems. In 2018, she was promoted to Faculty Employability Manager in FLAS, before becoming the University’s Employability Skills Manger in 2022. Hester now manages the University’s team of Employability Skills Advisors and the Student Employability Champions Team. Hester’s favourite part of her current role is collaborating with students, colleagues, and external employers to deliver interesting opportunities for students to build their confidence in applying for graduate jobs. Aside from work Hester was previously a trustee of the University of West London Students’ Union, and is also a historian, having graduated with a Masters’ degree in Medieval History at Birkbeck, University of London, in 2023.  

Hester has received this award due to her commitment and dedication to supporting the student community at Greenwich. Her exceptional support for the Officer Teams Employability Week project and her enthusiasm and inspiration is a credit to the Greenwich Community.

Katie Jenkins

Senior International Student Adviser 

“I’ve worked at the university for many years, advising international students, and I lead the International Student Advice Service. I spend a lot of time listening to international students and care about their concerns.  

Me and my team are really committed to giving immigration advice (and more) to our international students when they need it. And we do this in a way which is ethical, holistic and respectful of what it is that they want or need to achieve. We do a lot of advocacy work for our international students as part of our advice service, across the university and externally. 

A lot of the work me and my team do is hidden because it’s confidential! But we are always working hard to help our international students and represent their best interests.”  

Katie received this award for her tireless work for the International Student Community here at Greenwich. Her exceptional care, dedication, and respect for the student community is a vital asset to the University of Greenwich, and her efforts in providing information on visa-related issues for the students fosters a sense of community and inclusion.