All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait....

Edge Hill University will find out in 24 hours if it has won the prestigious Times Higher University of the Year award - just a year after gaining university status.

Vice Chancellor John Cater and other staff from the University will travel to London today to attend the glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel, where the winner of this year?s award will be announced.

Edge Hill was one of only six institutions to be shortlisted in the University of the Year category and is flying the flag for the region as the only North West university to make the final cut.

This fantastic achievement marks Edge Hill's first 12 months as a university - a year which has also seen the institution become the UK's fastest growing university and ranking in the top 20 English institutions in the National Student Satisfaction Survey.

The Times Higher University of the Year Award looks at the nominee's performance in several areas such as research, teaching, access and business performance. Judges also look for specific evidence of particularly bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives that have advanced the University's reputation between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007. Those shortlisted are seen as examples of best practice in higher education.

This is the second time that Edge Hill has been recognised by the Times Higher Awards, after winning the prize for best financial support package for students at last year awards.

John Cater, Vice Chancellor of Edge Hill University, said: "It's a very exciting time to be at Edge Hill - being shortlisted for University of the Year, our new state-of-the-art Faculty of Health building nears completion and our expansions plans for the Ormskirk campus show that our future is bright."

"To be awarded University of the Year would be a real accolade and recognition of the hard work from students, staff and partners, both past and present, all who have worked tirelessly in making us achieve so much in such a short space of time. Even if we make runner up, simply being shortlisted in our first 18 months as a University is an extraordinary achievement."

For further press information please contact: Mary Bernia Public Relations Officer Tel: 01695 584509 Email mary.bernia@edgehill.ac.uk