The Community of Excellence Award annually recognizes SoE faculty and staff who have made significant contributions toward building a welcoming and accessible School of Education. It includes a monetary award.
Eligibility
- Any member of the School of Education faculty or staff
- Nominees must have had at least a half-time appointment in the School for three years
Award Criteria
This award will recognize faculty or staff who have made significant contributions toward building a welcoming and accessible School of Education in the areas of:
- Preparation of students, staff, and faculty to thrive personally and professionally in a world that is global, interconnected, and embraces the nuance and complexity of different perspectives
- Improving workplace culture and fostering a positive environment
- Recruiting, supporting, and retaining excellent faculty, staff, and students who reflect the community we serve
Review & Selection
All nominations will be reviewed by a committee of School of Education peers. Award recipients will be recognized at the State of the School and a private reception on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Questions
Contact our Events Manager
Nomination Procedures
The nomination packet* should include the following items:
- Letter of nomination containing highlights of the nominee’s career and why they should be considered for this award.
- Letter(s) of support (at least one, but no more than three)
- The letter should make clear to someone outside the nominee’s unit why the work is outstanding
- Neither the Dean nor any member of the review committee may nominate or write letters of support
- The most effective letters of support will come from those familiar with the nominee’s work and will contain a detailed analysis of why the person’s work advances the unit’s mission and merits recognition
*Nominations remain active for two years beyond the year of submission
Submission
Nominations are due Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Submit nominations in one of the following ways:
- Online Nomination Form (upload digital files of supporting documents)
- Email to Events Manager