UL academics recognised at Regional Teaching Excellence Awards
University of Limerick's teaching talent has been recognised at the 2025-26 Regional Teaching Excellence Awards.
The Regional Teaching Excellence Awards (RTEA) is a collaborative initiative between University of Limerick (UL), Mary Immaculate College (MIC), and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), which celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact in teaching and learning across the Midwest region.
At a ceremony recently hosted by Mary Immaculate College, three UL academics were among the finalists who represented a broad range of disciplines across the region’s higher education sector.
Dr Christina O’Connor, Associate Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing; Dr Shalini Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences; and Dr Adam Toth, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, were presented with finalist certificates by UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins.
Speaking at the event, Professor Kilcommins said: "I would like to congratulate Dr Adam Toth, Dr Christina O'Connor and Dr Shalini Singh from UL on becoming finalists for this year’s Regional Teaching Excellence Awards. I would like to thank you for the passion, dedication and commitment that you bring to your teaching and to your students and their learning.
"It is because of the commitment of educators like yourselves that UL will continue to thrive into the future in transforming the way we teach and learn at UL."
Dr Mary Fitzpatrick, Head of UL's Centre for Transformative Learning, said: "I would like to reiterate my heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists, with particular recognition given to those representing UL - Adam, Christina, and Shalini - each of whom exemplifies a commitment to teaching excellence. Their recognition is truly well deserved."
Dr Jennifer Pope, Lecturer in Reflective Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies, Mary Immaculate College, was named the overall winner of the Regional Teaching Excellence Award for 2025-26.
Dr Pope was selected as the winner by an independent judging panel comprising Dr Ronan Bree, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dr Mairéad Greene, University of Galway, Jamie Heywood, Anglia Ruskin University, Sinéad Lynch, Dublin City University, and chaired by Dr Pauline Rooney, Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Pope’s work was recognised for its commitment to student-centred learning, reflective practice and excellence in teaching.
MIC was also represented among the finalists by Dr Richard Bowles, Lecturer in Physical Education, and Dr Edmond Gubbins, Assistant Professor in School Placement and Practitioner Research.
From TUS, finalists were Dr Sergii Kushch, Lecturer in Computer Networks and Mathematics; Alan McGuire, Lecturer in Electrical and Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programmes; and Dr Clodagh Reid, Lecturer in Technology Education.
