International award for Cumbria’s university

The University of Cumbria has been named a winner of the 2025 Anthology Catalyst Awards, recognising its innovative and inclusive approach to digital learning and pedagogic transformation.

Recognising enhancements through its digital strategy, the university is celebrating winning the ‘Training & Professional Development’ category.

In 2024, the University of Cumbria developed a new Learning, Teaching & Assessment Plan through a process of co-creation across the university community, involving 30 design events with over 360 participants to transform pedagogic practice. As a foundational step in this new strategic approach, the university migrated to Blackboard Ultra and implemented a comprehensive and values-led staff development programme. This programme utilised the migration as a catalyst for wider strategic transformation of pedagogic practice, focusing on unlocking innovation and creativity. The success of this development programme has proven particularly beneficial in enhancing accessibility, reducing pressure on the university's professional services, and delivering a step change in digital learning. 

These international awards recognise outstanding innovation and best practices in the use of Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment by institutions worldwide including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Mexico.

Early outcomes of the university's now award-winning initiative have been profound and include improvements in accessibility as well as staff upskilling in effective utilisation of the new learning platform. 

The early successes of this initiative have begun to grow university-wide digital capabilities, serving as the foundation for further enhancements, including the integration of AI tools to support both staff and student use of technology to augment learning.

Dr Jonathan Eaton (pictured), Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), said:

“We are delighted to have won this prestigious global award which recognises institutions globally that are committed to empowering educators and staff through comprehensive training programs that support effective technology adoption.

“The migration to Blackboard Ultra is a critical foundation in the implementation of our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Plan, on which we seek to build over the coming years as our university community embeds innovative and creative approaches to digital learning.

“The winning of this award is a true recognition of the hard work of many colleagues across our university in enabling this step forward."

The Catalyst Awards, hosted by global education technology leader Anthology, honour institutions that are driving forward student success through innovation and excellence in digital learning. This recognition places the University of Cumbria among a select group of global institutions leading the way in educational transformation.

Bruce Dahlgren, Chief Executive Officer of Anthology, said:

“This year’s Catalyst Award winners are shining examples of what happens when institutions partner with purpose, vision, and innovation to transform the future of education."