14 May 2026
"Serving within the Armed Forces community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and to have that recognised at a national level is both humbling and very special"
Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDermott-Moses and her award
A University of Sunderland academic has been recognised by a national armed forces awards for her contributions as an army reservist and lecturer.
Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDermott-Moses, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Skills at the University, won the award for Most Outstanding Armed Forces personnel at the National Armed Forces and Emergency Services Event (NAFESE) Services Awards 2026 held at the Stadium of Light (13 May).
The award recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations who have served in the Armed Forces and the emergency services.
Terry said: “I am truly honoured and incredibly proud to receive this award. Serving within the Armed Forces community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and to have that recognised at a national level is both humbling and very special.
“This award reflects not only my own journey, but the support, dedication and teamwork of the amazing people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.”
NAFESE Event Director, Mal Robinson said: "Many congratulations to Terry on her award. The judging panel had a difficult job in choosing a winner, such was the high calibre of the candidate. Terry is a very deserving winner for her incredible work with the University and in her own time. Very well done."
The University was also named a finalist in the same category for the support it offers veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel. Alongside this, the University was an official exhibitor at the NAFESE Services Awards, showcasing the support it offers to veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces.
Wendy Price OBE, Head of Widening Access and Participation at the University of Sunderland, said: “The University are proud holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, demonstrating our strategic commitment to supporting serving military personnel and veterans. We have established links with the UK’s armed forces over many years and have a dedicated team supporting our students from the armed forces community.
“We are delighted that Terry has received this award for her outstanding work supporting the Armed Forces. Receiving this prestigious award is well-deserved recognition of her exceptional dedication and contributions to both Defence and academia. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”
For more information on how the University of Sunderland supports students who are veterans or who are serving in the Armed Forces, click here.(opens in new tab)