Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

A UNIVERSITY of Cumbria lecturer has received a prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements.

HONOUR: Léonie Sugarman

Dr Léonie Sugarman from the school of applied social sciences has been awarded the title of Reader in Applied Psychology by the University.

The esteemed title is awarded to those who have a record of research and publication in academic journals.

Léonie, who previously taught at London University, said: “I’m very pleased that my work has been recognised in this way.

“Much of what I do is in the area of counselling and counselling psychology, and the appointment comes at a very appropriate moment in that the University’s new BA in person- centred therapy gets underway this autumn.

“The whole staff team is keen to include a research element in the programme right from the start, and this appointment underscores this fact.”

Léonie joined St Martin’s College in 1992 (it became part of the University of Cumbria in 2007) and has taught on a range of programmes, including psychology, counselling, applied social sciences, occupational therapy and health studies.

She has been involved in writing and editing for many years and has recently completed a ten-year term of office as vice president of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – a significant organisation in the therapy field.

Prof Christopher Carr, University of Cumbria vice-chancellor, said: “Léonie has achieved a great deal in her academic career, earning an impressive national reputation in her field. This recognition is well deserved and I’d like to congratulate her on her achievement.”