The Oxford Character Project (OCP) is one of the six winners of the Vice-Chancellor's Education Award 2022.
The winners of the VC's Education Award were announced at a ceremony at Worcester College on Thursday 29 September 2022. These biennial awards were started in 2020 to celebrate and showcase educational activity at Oxford that has a clear and demonstrable impact on the educational experience of our students. Dr Edward Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project, accepted the award from Professor Dame Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), praised the OCP for its unique leadership development programmes designed for a 21st Century world. He said, "This project helps postgraduate learners to develop practices that strengthen their ability to further the good of organisations and communities around the world, while also engaging with diverse viewpoints. This innovative programme has collaborated with senior leaders across the university and adds value to the University’s traditional educational offering."
Upon receiving the award, Anjali Sarker, Programme Manager of the OCP, expressed her enthusiasm about the impact of the recognition. She said, "We are driven by Oxford’s commitment to ensure that our students are fully equipped to excel in whatever they choose to do. Oxford has been producing leaders for over 800 years, but now, more than ever, we need leaders who can lead with purpose and serve the public good, putting people and the planet first. This award will help us to realise this vision."
After the announcement, many alumni reached out to the OCP team members to congratulate them. Aryemis Brown (MPhil in International Relations, GLI 2022) fondly recalled his OCP memories earlier this year saying, "OCP helped me become kinder, more generous, and more empathetic. To consider essential questions about humility, gratitude and purpose — in our lives and around the world – among a warm and diverse community is a special opportunity." Mary Strange, an MBA student who participated in the summer school, expressed similar feelings. She said, "OCP is a great initiative that helps develop practical leadership skills essential for all students, whether their final destination is the world of business, social impact or academia. This programme is a great addition to the university, offering a range of inspiring speakers and practical workshops that help the lessons really sink in."
Professor Martin Williams said of the winners: "Congratulations to the winners of the Education Awards 2022, all who have shown a variety of educational innovation that benefits their learners. They are excellent examples of collaboration within Oxford and further afield. The University is constantly innovating in education for the benefit of our students and the wider collegiate University, and these awards give us the chance to recognise this excellency."
The Oxford Character Project is one of six recipients of the VC's Education Awards 2022. To see all of the shortlisted nominees and winners, please visit the Education Awards website.