Teesside declared university of year A NORTH-EAST university has been named the best in the country.

Teesside University has been declared university of the year by the Times Higher Times Higher magazine awards.

It won for its “outstanding regional economic strategy and strong financial performance”

at the ceremony in the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London.

The award means Teesside is the first modern university to win the award.

It was also awarded the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative Award at Thursday night’s event.

Times Higher Education editor Ann Mroz said: “Teesside is a fantastic example of an institution that has put itself firmly at the heart of its community, embracing with zeal its mission of working with both individuals and businesses to help them achieve their full potential.

“Teesside is a very worthy winner of this year’s top accolade.”

Teesside University vicechancellor Graham Henderson said: “This is the first modern university to ever receive recognition as the University of the Year.

“I really cannot put into words how proud everyone at the university feels at having been given such a wonderful accolade.

“We are confident winning this award will go a long way towards changing perceptions – not just of the university, but of the town and the Tees Valley, nationally and internationally.”

He added: “I believe the award will really put Teesside on the map as a strong player, particularly in terms of our mission of providing opportunities and promoting enterprise around a first-class experience of higher education for our 28,000 students and helping the North-East region out of recession.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “This recognition will attract more students and shows how far this university has come in a very short space of time.

“I offer my congratulations to everybody concerned.

What I like about the university is that it is very positive, it’s got that wow factor and a real sparkle about it.”

Alan Clarke, chief executive of regional development agency One North East, said: “This is fantastic news and I would like to offer my huge congratulations to Teesside University and all of those involved who have helped achieve this impressive accolade.

“This award is national recognition for Teesside University and its staff who have worked tirelessly to help both students and the region.”