This is a university wide award and all nominations are submitted directly to the School of Graduate Studies. The purpose of the University Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award is to recognize faculty excellence in the complex process of mentoring graduate students to prepare them for productive careers. The awardee is invited to prepare a brief essay on mentoring that is shared with the University community.
Award Criteria
Among the attributes of an outstanding mentor to be considered in nominations are the following:
- An effective advisor who facilitates degree completion.
- A model of sound scholarship and ethical academic behavior.
- A sponsor who helps students understand and benefit from departmental and university resources.
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A source of emotional support who provides constructive criticism.
- A colleague who involves the student in publishing and other professional activities.
Nomination Materials
Nominations may be submitted by USU faculty, students or alumni, or a department or program. Each nomination should include the following:
- A letter of no more than five pages discussing the nominee’s mentoring approach, activities, and successes.
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae, including a list of graduate students mentored by the nominee and identification of publications co-authored with graduate students.
- A list of persons whom you have requested to send letters of support. Note: support letters need to arrive by 16 February 2009.
Supporting letters should be sent by the writers to Derri Dee (DD) Leonard, Assistant to the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Utah State University, 0900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-0900 or dd.leonard@usu.edu. Please note: Letters of nomination and support may be released to the media once the award has been announced.
Past Recipients
2009
2008 Terry Messmer