VP EDUCATION

This role ensures that students get the very best education possible at Essex.

Annie Scott

Motivated | Proactive | Approachable

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  • I am applying for VP education because I believe in making every students education journey meaningful and fulfilling. By amplifying student voices I want to ensure our university fosters an environment where we can thrive and grow together. I'm dedicated to making our learning experience the best it can possibly be for everyone involved.

  • As a Local Hero Awardee and member of student councils, I've poured my heart into creating inclusive spaces for us in our community. Engaging actively with our vibrant student body, I know what we need. I've lived through the ups and downs of our university firsthand, making me a relatable advocate for student needs.

Chandana somanahalli Ashok

Empowerment | Innovation | Inclusivity

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  • I'm applying for the VP education role because I am passionate about enhancing the educational journey for every student. As an MSc Data Science student and experienced student rep, I've witnessed the impact effective leadership can have. I believe in fostering an environment that promotes empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all students. I am committed to contributing my skills and dedication to further elevate our student community and create lasting positive change.

  • I bring a keen eye for detail, ensuring precision in every aspect of my work. A dedicated reader, I embrace the responsibility of staying informed. My strength lies in building strong relationships and fostering connections that enhance collaboration. I share a deep passion for providing our students with an exceptional education. Known for being receptive to feedback, I swiftly formulate effective solutions. My commitment to caring about the small details underscores my approach, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful contribution as a Student Leader.

Holly Rayner

Creativity | Inclusivity | Reliability

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  • I am applying for this role because throughout my time in school and university I have always had an interest in working within education, especially in a role where I can help to better it for everyone! My time as a volunteer within the Students Union has been incredible, allowing me to learn so many new skills and make so many new relationships, so now I want to continue the good work that has been and is being done and help everyone to thrive in their studies! Whether that means making the environment more inclusive of disabilities, helping to improve knowledge of the academic tools available, communicating with staff to make material more engaging or to simply be here to listen and act upon your feedback!

  • I have worked closely within the SU already as a Student Rep, gathering feedback from students and relaying this to my department for them to act upon to improve the academic experience of this university! I also currently hold the role of a Student Community Officer, where I have represented my community's interests in SU Council and by acting upon feedback I have gathered to host fun social events and also to work with the SU at creating a better and safer environment! Therefore, I have built good relationships with staff and students, and understand how the SU works, allowing me to more easily progress into a higher role! I have also held jobs within education as a teaching assistant, giving me knowledge of how the education system works and how it can be improved. I have also worked for a charity providing respite care to those with disabilities, as well as having gone through education with disabilities of my own, giving me a unique understanding of the way it can impact those in education and knowledge of how to help!

Joe Holmes

Determined | Creative | Outspoken

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  • I believe in an equitable, value-for-money education powered by student voice where everyone can live and learn comfortably. There's a tough time ahead, and I want to use my strong experience to build on my success and give you the representation you deserve.

    I've achieved a lot so far, but with a full grasp of how everything works and with established connections, I know I can take things even further.

    My 5 Priorities:

    1. Turbocharging Student Voice: I will hone in on the nuts and bolts of representation to ensure you are listened to and you have the power to create real change.

    2. Making Education Engaging: Continuing the good progress I have made, I will lead work to revolutionise education delivery so we can say goodbye to lecturers reading off slides and enjoy an active learning experience.

    3. Living and Learning Comfortably: With cost of living pressures, the rise in the need to commute and increased caring responsibilities, University systems such as timetabling, activities and communications are outdated and don't allow everyone to thrive. You deserve an education that works for you.

    4. Including Everyone: One of my favourite things about Essex is that it's such a diverse community, everyone has vastly different backgrounds and experiences. I will advocate for accessibility, awareness and respect.

    5. Skills, Skills, Skills: I launched new initiatives such as the Skills Cafe, giving students the support they need the most. I will keep pushing so you're equipped to earn a degree and a job.

  • As VP Education for the past year, I've had huge success on major projects to improve academic delivery in the University, led plans to make education engaging, build belonging, and campaigned to improve the UK higher education system. I'm a skilled communicator and relationship-builder who knows what they're doing and how to deliver results.

    In my spare time, I work to make the world a better place. I served on the Advisory Board of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation which works to make the world a kinder, braver place and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. I’m experienced at leading non-profit organisations and ensuring they deliver maximum impact. In the past year as a Trustee of the SU, I've never been afraid to challenge the organisation to do the best thing for students.

    Education transformed my life. I went from being a low-performing student in a deprived seaside town, to someone who made the Dean's List, earned a first-class degree, won a regional Dream 100 'Student of the Year Award', hosted 3 TEDx events, won an award for outstanding contribution to Rebel and was given the Essex Newspapers Award for Communications for revitalising the college magazine and creating extracurricular opportunities. I've used my communications skills to generate the most engagement with student voice at the University ever and I have had a transformational effect on how academic representation at the SU is perceived, gaining vital respect.

    I don't just believe hard work leads to success, I know it.

WHO’S R.O.N?

Every position within the election also has a candidate listed as re-open nominations, or R.O.N. for short.

This role is a way for you to declare that you don't feel any of the candidates would be fit for the role and you instead feel applications should be re-opened at a later date to allow new candidates to come forward.