Faculty & Staff Awards

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Excellence in Teaching Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Excellence in Teaching award is presented in honor and recognition of a meritorious record of excellence in teaching and/or innovation related to a teaching program. 

Eligibility:  Any individual who holds a full-time faculty appointment (including lecturers, tenure-track faculty, and professors of practice) in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the time of nomination. 

Nominations: Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support. 

The Award: $250

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Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award

Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award is presented in honor and recognition of a meritorious record of excellence in research and/or creative activity. 

Eligibility:  Any individual who holds a full-time faculty appointment (including lecturers, tenure-track faculty, and professors of practice) and has research as part of their apportionment in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the time of nomination. 

Nominations:  Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support.  

The Award: $250

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Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement award is presented in honor and recognition of a meritorious record of industry or community engagement that has an impact beyond the university. The goal of this award is to honor a person who has demonstrated a connection to engagement, as defined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. 

*Community Engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues, and contribute to the public good. 

Eligibility:  Any full-time faculty or staff member in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, including staff who may have a primary or partial appointment in another unit but whose primary responsibilities are within the college. 

Nominations: Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support.  

The Award: $250 

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Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy Award is presented in honor and recognition of a meritorious record of service to students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. 

Eligibility:  Any full-time faculty or staff member in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, including staff who may have a primary or partial appointment in another unit but whose primary responsibilities are within the college. 

Nominations:  Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support. 

The Award: $250

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Staff Excellence Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Staff Excellence Award is presented in honor of a staff member who routinely demonstrates excellence in the execution of their duties. 

Eligibility:  Any full-time staff member in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, including staff who may have a primary or partial appointment in another unit but whose primary responsibilities are within the college. 

Nominations: Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support. 

The Award: $250 

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Inclusive Excellence Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Inclusive Excellence Award is presented in honor of a faculty or staff member who has created a climate that emphasizes, prioritizes and expands inclusive excellence and diversity in the college. 

Eligibility:  Any full-time staff member in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, including staff who may have a primary or partial appointment in another unit but whose primary responsibilities are within the college. 

Nominations:  Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support.

The Award: $250

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Friend of the College Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications Friend of the College Award honors a part-time faculty member, professional-in-residence, guest speaker or another individual who has made a significant impact on the college's students, faculty or staff.  

Eligibility:  Any individual who has engaged with the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. 

Nominations: Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support. 

The Award: $250 

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To Infinity and Beyond Award

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications To Infinity and Beyond Award is presented in honor of a faculty or staff member who epitomizes the college values of: 

  • Our students do from day one
  • We solve real problems
  • We believe in hard work 
  • We pursue truth
  • We nurture curious and creative minds
  • We are an inclusive community
  • Our professions are ever-changing
  • Our graduates thrive

Eligibility:   Any full-time faculty or staff member in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, including staff who may have a primary or partial appointment in another unit but whose primary responsibilities are within the college. 

Nominations:  Recipients can be nominated by faculty, staff, students, alumni or others with an interest in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominator shall submit a nomination form. Nominators also have the option of submitting up to 3 one-page letters of support.  

The Award: $250 and Buzz Lightyear

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