Middlesbrough College is delighted to congratulate three outstanding students on their new positions within the Student Presidency: Katie Marshall, Emily-Grace Farndale, and Adyodamola Adebola.
Katie (pictured second to left), who studies Access to Higher Education (Policing), has been appointed Student President and is excited to place the student experience at the core of her work. Meanwhile Emily-Grace (centre), a Level 3 Education and Early Years student, is taking on the role of Vice President of Communication. Also joining the presidency is Ayodamola Adebola (pictured right), a Level 3 Applied Science student and the new Vice President of Student Equality and Wellbeing!
All three students will serve as Student Governors and sit on the College’s Governing Board. These vital roles will provide a positive bridge of communication between the Student Nody and Governors, providing students with the opportunity to submit feedback, share innovative ideas, and serve as a voice for their peers.
Meet our new Student President, Katie Marshall!
Meet Katie Marshall, our new Student President! Katie is studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Policing as a continuation from her A-levels. She is excited to help develop communication across the College and hopes to smooth out any inconsistencies. She also wants to focus on creating an inclusive community, ensuring all students feel safe and welcome from day one.
Katie said: “It is my highest priority to ensure all students are given equal access and opportunity while spending their time here.
“I hope to lead the Student Union sensitively and proactively by placing student experience and interest at the core of our work.
“I really care about the people around me, and I’ve found things within the College that I would like to change, and people want to change too. I want to be the person who takes a stance on things and doesn’t just let them slide.
“It’s not easy, but it’s so rewarding to be the person in the room that says there needs to be change!”
Meet Emily-Grace Farndale, new Student Vice President of Communication
Alongside her studies within Education and Early Years Level 3, Emily-Grace has been appointed as Vice President in the recent election.
Emily-Grace is excited to focus on communication and events. She aims to run fundraising and charity events, such as a disco night, open mic or student talent showcase, which are fun for students and support local charities and organisations.
The Student Vice President of Communication is responsible for all communications between the Student Body and the Student Union. Emily-Grace will collaborate with the marketing and enrichment teams along with other members of the Student Union, to effectively promote upcoming events, clubs, and societies.
She said: “I’ve always been involved in student leadership in all the schools I’ve been in. It’s good to feel like you can change things that others don’t necessarily have the opportunity to.”
In partnership with our Enrichment Team, Emily –Grace will also support and plan significant events at the College, such as the Festival of Culture and Festival of Wellbeing, with the goal of enhancing cross-college communication.
Emily-Grace added: “I really want to organise and create some new fun events, particularly fundraising and charity events!”
Meet Ayodamola Adebola, Vice President of Student Equality and Wellbeing
Alongside her studies in Applied Science Level 3, Ayodamola has been appointed as Vice President of Student Equality and Wellbeing. She is responsible for championing an inclusive, supportive and accessible student experience for all. She will collaborate closely with student groups, welfare teams, and the executive team to ensure that every student feels represented, respected, and empowered to thrive.
She expressed “My experience in college has been so good so far. I have found it inclusive and diverse; I really feel like I belong here.
“I wanted to be a Student President as I really care about the people around me.”
One key initiative that Ayodamola aims to pursue during her time as Vice President is to reinforce Middlesbrough College’s stance against bullying and micro-aggressions. This will involve creating reporting mechanisms and promoting campaigns centered on respect, kindness, and appropriate behavior.
Ayodamola stated: “I hope to expand mental health support by promoting counselling services and offering workshops on stress, confidence and wellbeing. No students should struggle alone because everyone deserves support and understanding.
“I just want to be that point of contact for students, providing a safe space for them to explore and articulate their perspectives and concerns.”
Thomas Courtman-Stock, head of Student Engagement, said: “I can’t wait to collaborate with the Student Union Exec Team over the next few months. I’m excited to support them in finalising their policies and continuing to enhance the student experience for our current student body.”
We wish Katie, Emily-Grace and Ayodamola success in their new roles. We look forward to their contributions and to seeing the changes they make during their presidency!
