Utah Tech University

Faculty Awards

Nominate Faculty
Past Winners

Celebrate our Faculty

The Faculty Awards honor faculty who demonstrate a record of exceptional accomplishments in all aspects of university life. The awards recognize and celebrate faculty members who, through their own outstanding achievements, have enriched the University and the community they serve. Faculty Award finalists and winners are selected annually by the Faculty Excellence Committee, and they are recognized at the Award Ceremony in April.

Award Categories

Distinguished Awards

  • Distinguished Professor Award
  • Distinguished Teaching Award
  • Distinguished Service Award
  • Distinguished Research Award
  • Distinguished Instructor Award

Excellence Awards

  • Excellence in Online Teaching
  • Excellence in Active Teaching
  • Excellence in Service Learning
  • Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

For more information, including an overview of the eligibility requirements and individual award descriptions & criteria, please see the Award Descriptions page.

Timeline for the 2024–2025 Academic Year

Dates

Activity

January 10Call for nominations for Faculty Awards via online form
January 24Deadline to submit nominations for Faculty Awards.
February 7Deadline for nominees to submit a 2-page Letter (detailing their major achievements for the award criteria) and an abbreviated curriculum vitae.
February 21Deadline for notification of finalists for the Distinguished Awards.
March 7Deadline for the Distinguished Awards Finalists to submit supporting documents, a detailed portfolio and two letters of support addressing award criteria.
March 21Deadline for selection of winners and finalists for the Faculty Awards
April 10Award Ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Faculty Awards Program?

The Faculty Awards Program honors faculty who have shown remarkable accomplishments in university life. These awards are meant to acknowledge faculty members who have made significant contributions to both the University and the larger community. Award winners are chosen by the Faculty Excellence Committee every year, with the awards being presented at a ceremony in April.

How were the award categories determined, and can they change?

The Faculty Award categories have been established based on areas the University considers vital to its mission and success. The “Distinguished Awards” are consistently recognized categories. Meanwhile, the “Excellence Awards” represent dynamic areas of educational focus and innovation. While these awards have the support of various offices on campus, their categories might be adjusted over time to reflect emerging trends and new priorities in education.

Who is eligible for the Distinguished Awards and the Excellence Awards?

Distinguished Awards are tailored for faculty members who have been with Utah Tech University (UT) for a minimum of 4 or 7 years, contingent on the specific award category. They are primarily for full-time faculty, with the exception of the Distinguished Instructor Award, which includes part-time instructors. On the other hand, Excellence Awards are available to both full-time and part-time faculty members who have concluded at least their 2nd year at UT.

How can one nominate a faculty member, and what is the application process?

Nominations should be submitted electronically using the provided online form. Once nominated, faculty members will be invited to share further documentation, such as their curriculum vitae and a reflective letter about their achievements. For final selection, the Faculty Excellence Committee may request additional materials like portfolios, student feedback, or evidence of the nominee’s accomplishments in teaching, research, or service.

What are the monetary benefits associated with these awards?

Distinguished Awards usually come with a monetary reward of $1,000 or $2,000, depending on the category. Excellence Awards recipients receive a monetary reward of $500.

Who determines the finalists and winners of the Faculty Awards?

Finalists and winners for both the “Distinguished Awards” and the “Excellence Awards” are solely determined by the Faculty Excellence Committee. While we may occasionally seek feedback from the sponsors of the “Excellence Awards”, the final decision always rests with the committee members to ensure impartiality and adherence to the University’s standards of excellence.

Who should be contacted for further queries or information regarding the Faculty Awards?

For any additional information or questions about the Faculty Awards, please reach out to the Faculty Excellence Committee via email at excellence@utahtech.edu.

Faculty Awards Rubric

 

Category 5 (Excellent) 3 (Good) 1 (Needs Improvement)
Nomination
  • The nomination letter is exceptionally well-written and clear.
  • Provides detailed and specific examples of the nominee’s qualifications, achievements, and contributions.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of the nominee’s work and its relevance to the award.
  • The nomination letter is well-written and clear.
  • It adequately presents the nominee’s qualifications and achievements but may lack detailed examples. Provides some evidence of the nominee’s impact and contributions but may not be very specific.
  • Shows an understanding of the nominee’s work in relation to the award, but the connection could be stronger.
  • The nomination letter is poorly written or unclear.
  • It fails to adequately present the nominee’s qualifications or achievements. Lacks specific examples or evidence of the nominee’s impact and contributions.
  • Does not clearly demonstrate an understanding of the nominee’s work in relation to the award.
CV
  • The CV is exceptionally well-organized and focused.
  • Highlights accomplishments directly related to the award criteria prominently.
  • Provides clear evidence of outstanding achievements and contributions.
  • Includes relevant details and metrics that enhance the presentation of achievements.
  • The CV is organized and clear.
  • Highlights accomplishments related to the award but may not be as prominent or detailed.
  • Shows evidence of achievements and contributions but may lack depth.
  • Includes some relevant details, but the presentation could be more impactful.
  • The CV is poorly organized or lacks focus.
  • Fails to highlight accomplishments related to the award criteria.
  • Provides little to no evidence of relevant achievements and contributions.
  • Lacks detail and does not effectively present the nominee’s qualifications.
Letter
  • The reflection letter provides a detailed and insightful description of major achievements.
  • Clearly articulates how these achievements have improved their teaching and contributed to student success.
  • Includes specific examples and evidence to support claims.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of the impact and significance of their work.
  • The reflection letter adequately describes major achievements.
  • Provides a general explanation of how these have impacted their teaching and student success.
  • Includes some examples and evidence, but they may not be very detailed.
  • Shows an understanding of their impact but could be more reflective or insightful.
  • The reflection letter lacks detail and depth in describing major achievements.
  • Fails to clearly articulate the impact on teaching and student success.
  • Lacks specific examples and evidence to support claims.
  • Does not demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the significance of their work.
Supporting Materials
(only for the finalists for the Distinguished Awards)
  • The supporting materials are highly relevant and well-organized.
  • Provide compelling additional evidence of the nominee’s qualifications and achievements.
  • Enhance the nomination with unique or detailed documentation (e.g., teaching evaluations, publications, awards).
  • Clearly demonstrate the nominee’s impact and contributions.
  • The supporting materials are relevant and organized.
  • Provide some additional evidence of the nominee’s qualifications and achievements, though it may lack depth or variety.
  • Add some value to the nomination but may not fully demonstrate the nominee’s impact and contributions.
  • The supporting materials are incomplete, disorganized, or irrelevant.
  • Provide little to no additional evidence of the nominee’s qualifications or achievements.
  • Do not significantly enhance the nomination or demonstrate the nominee’s impact and contributions.

Contact

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Faculty Excellence Committee.

Email: Excellence@utahtech.edu