HTC celebrates Ruth Smart as its Student of the Year 2025

Highland Theological College (HTC), a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), has named Ruth Smart as the recipient of its Student of the Year Award for 2025, in recognition of her exceptional academic performance, leadership, and impact on the student community.

Ruth, from Edinburgh, who will graduate later this month with a BA (Hons) Theological Studies, was selected for the award in light of her academic excellence, exemplary character, and transformative contribution to student life at HTC.

Throughout her time at HTC, Ruth has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her studies.  Her undergraduate work at Level 10 has been described as postgraduate standard.  Staff have praised her as “the most proactive, student-centred student” they have encountered in many years.

Beyond academic achievement, Ruth has made a significant and lasting impact on the college community. She has been instrumental in organising social events, study groups, and student trips, bringing together peers from diverse backgrounds and helping foster a strong sense of community. Though not in a formal student leadership role, she has been central to strengthening cohesion among HTC’s geographically dispersed student population.

Her generosity of spirit is evident in her support for fellow students – from tutoring in Greek to coordinating student activities that would not have taken place without her initiative.

Ruth’s journey at HTC has also been marked by perseverance and personal resilience. Balancing her studies with family and church commitments, she has maintained high academic standards while navigating challenging personal circumstances with grace and determination. Her life and conduct have consistently reflected her Christian faith and values.

Dr Robert Shillaker, Senior Lecturer in Theology and BA Programme Leader, said:

"Ruth is a truly remarkable student. In all my years of teaching and leadership, I have not seen a student so able and committed to academic work, their fellow students, as well as their family and church commitments. This is all done with patience and good grace.”

Ruth said:

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this award from HTC.  It has been a huge privilege to study within such a supportive environment, and I have benefitted enormously from staff who have both challenged and encouraged me. I have also experienced the care and support of fellow students as we’ve journeyed through our studies together. I’d like to thank everyone at HTC for all their hard work, care, and encouragement.”

Ruth will receive a £100 prize and will now go forward for consideration for the Overall UHI Student of the Year 2025.