Japanese programme teaching fellow Haruko Stuart was ''thrilled'' to be voted 2013 lecturer of the year by University of Otago students.
Otago University Students' Association president Francisco Hernandez said the awards gave students the opportunity to provide positive feedback and students nominated more than 300 lecturers.
Ms Stuart said she had worked at the university for 11 years and had been nominated for the award five times. She was ''excited and thrilled'' to win the top award, she said, which was presented in the University of Otago Commerce Building staffroom yesterday.
''I'm doing what I have a passion for and the students really appreciate it.''
The other top 10 finalists for the award were Dr Kristin Hillman (psychology); Tony Zaharic (biochemistry); Dr Tony Schneiders (physiotherapy); David Bishop (marketing); Prof Steve Jackson (physical education, sport and exercise sciences); Dr Jackie Hunter (psychology); Associate Prof Peter Whigham (information science); Andrew Wallace (applied sciences); and Jessica Palmer (law).
Students also voted in the inclusive award section, which had three award recipients - College of Education senior lecturer Dr Gill Rutherford; biochemistry lecturer Tony Zaharic and School of Physiotherapy Associate Prof Leigh Hale.
The university's Disability Information and Support also recognised staff and students at its Appreciation Awards yesterday.
The recipients were Phillip Kelly, Ben Varkalis, Carol Clarke, Brian Johnston, Reece Pomeroy, Natalie Smith, Charlotte Dunn, Bumbekile Ncube, Emma Beeby, Daniel Copeland, Chris Arnison, Tim Bright, Nicola Cummins, Carol Milnes, Suzy Keene, Kerri Fraser, Dale Carey, Aidin Jalilzadeh, David Richardson and John Cornfoot.
