2 November 2012

Magdalena wins prestigious place on board

A University of Dundee student will help to shape the textbooks and other materials that her peers around the world rely on following a prestigious appointment.

Magdalena Pentcheva, a third year History & International Relations student, beat stiff competition to earn a place on the Pearson Student Advisory Board (PSAB) for 2012/13.

Pearson, one of the world's leading educational publishers, started PSAB in 2009 to create a structured link between its UK higher education business and the student community. Board members have the opportunity to shape the learning and teaching experience of future students and educators.

Magdalena is one of eight successful board members who were chosen from 100 other applicants from across the UK and Ireland after undergoing a rigorous selection process. She is the second Scottish student to have won a place on the PSAB, and the second successful student from the University of Dundee.

Successful students contribute to a wide range of projects in order to provide feedback on Pearson products and services. This year, they are helping to launch the Pearson Student Panel, an exciting new online community where students can get involved in regular research activities with the company.

Magdalena, a keen video maker who works with DUSA TV, said she was overjoyed to be part of PSAB as her course relies heavily on textbooks and other educational materials.

"I cannot wait to work with the rest of the members of the board," she said. "My course relies heavily on textbooks and various other educational materials. I know there is nothing better than finding a good book that not only helps with your assignment but is also very enjoyable and hard to put down.

"This is why I am delighted to have the opportunity to have a real impact upon the educational material of students. I know how vital a good education is in today's society and job market."

Each of the eight students on the PSAB will be paired with a Pearson mentor, an experienced staff member from across the business (editorial, marketing, market research, qualifications), with a passion for improving the educational outcomes of students in higher education.

The students will also have the opportunity to meet and influence senior Pearson executives, with the aim of helping to shape Pearson's products and services in the UK market.

Further information about the board is available at www.pearsoned.co.uk/PSAB.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277