Award-winning student celebrates remarkable success at the University of Chester
A University of Chester student whose academic excellence, leadership and commitment to student wellbeing have earned national and international recognition is celebrating a series of outstanding achievements as she completes her studies.
Ramitha Nittore Ramnath, an international student from Bangalore, India, has enjoyed an exceptional University journey marked by academic success, prestigious awards and a lasting contribution to student life through her work promoting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing across the University community.
The BSc (Hons) Psychology student was recently named UKCISA International Student of the Year 2025, one of the UK's most prestigious accolades for international students, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to student life, community wellbeing and cross-cultural engagement.
Ramitha, who has also served as the University's first Assistant Hindu Chaplain, has combined academic achievement with an impressive record of leadership, volunteering and community-building. During her time at Chester, she led award-winning initiatives that brought students together across cultures, faiths and backgrounds, while championing support networks that helped foster a sense of belonging.
Her achievements include receiving the ENAS Student Achievement of the Year Award 2026, being recognised as Student Staff of the Year 2024-25, achieving an Excellent Chester Difference Award, earning a Platinum Volunteering Award for more than 250 hours of service, and leading the University's Indian Society to Best Society of the Year and Society Event of the Year during her presidency in 2023-24.
Ramitha's Tea Parties, hosted through Chaplaincy, were recently highly commended in the international Keystone Awards, which celebrate global excellence in higher education and professional training, highlighting institutions, educators and students who demonstrate outstanding innovation, inclusion, academic impact and student experience. The Themed Tea Parties were recognised for their contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion. Since October 2024, more than 15 sessions have created safe, informal spaces where students can connect and share experiences.
Academically, Ramitha excelled throughout her Psychology degree. Her dissertation, which explored the role of social media in organisations, was praised by her lecturers.
Her dissertation supervisor, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Psychology, Liane Hayes said: "Ramitha showed exceptional scholarship throughout her dissertation. She was passionate about her research area and engaged with the process very effectively."
Michelle Tytherleigh, Ramitha's Personal Tutor and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Psychology, added: "Ramitha is one of those people who, once met, is never forgotten. Innovative, creative and compassionate, she perfectly balances academic excellence with a deep commitment to others.
"Driven, self-motivated and deeply compassionate, Ramitha is a living example of Positive Psychology in Action. She is an asset to her peers and a brilliant example of a student dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the world."
Reflecting on her time at Chester, Ramitha said: "The University of Chester has played a significant role in helping me become the person I am today. The support, encouragement and opportunities I received, particularly through Chaplaincy, gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, embrace leadership opportunities and make meaningful contributions to both the University and the wider higher education community."
She paid tribute to the support she received from the University's Chaplaincy team, especially Revd Dr Gill Reeve, whose encouragement helped her develop as a student leader and advocate for inclusion and wellbeing.
Revd Dr Gill Reeve, Senior Chaplain at the University of Chester, said: "Ramitha has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership and creativity, enriching student life across the University. As the University's first Assistant Hindu Chaplain, she has played a pivotal role in fostering community, promoting cultural engagement and supporting student wellbeing. We are immensely proud of her achievements."
As Ramitha looks ahead to the next stage of her journey, including plans to pursue a Master's degree in Occupational Psychology, she is also preparing to join fellow students at the University's graduation ceremonies in November.
She added: "One of the greatest pieces of advice I would give any student is to say yes to opportunities. Many of the experiences that have shaped me most happened because I was willing to step outside my comfort zone. The opportunities I embraced at Chester have helped me grow in ways I never imagined when I first arrived in the UK."