University Distinguished Professor Call for Nominations

2021 University Distinguished Professor
Call for Nominations

The Provost and Executive Vice President awards the title of University Distinguished Professor annually to recognize outstanding academic contributions to the mission of the University. Nominations are due no later than December 14, 2020.

2021 University Distinguished Professor
Call for Nominations

The title “University Distinguished Professor” is the highest faculty honor awarded at Oregon State University. It is conferred on OSU faculty at the rank of professor who have made pioneering contributions in their areas of expertise, achieved sustained distinction and are nationally and internationally recognized for their accomplishments. Up to three appointments may be awarded annually to faculty members who have been at the University for at least five years. Emeritus professors are not eligible, nor are administrators at the level of dean and above for as long as they are serving in a senior leadership role.

The nomination packet must include a brief letter of submission to the Senior Vice Provost, chair of the selection committee, from the college dean that indicates their support (no more than two pages). The letter must be accompanied by a narrative summary of accomplishments (no more than five pages) in teaching and advising; research, scholarly or creative work; and outreach, engagement, and/or service. Guidance for the narrative summary is provided below. Finally, the packet should include an abbreviated CV (no more than five pages).

We are committed to equity and inclusion in the nomination and selection process. Nominators should give serious attention to identifying exceptional faculty from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Evaluation Criteria

In order to qualify for the title of University Distinguished Professor, a faculty member must have amassed a record of highly distinguished and ongoing contributions in the areas of teaching and advising (criterion 1); research, scholarship, or creative activity (criterion 2); and outreach, engagement, and/or service (criterion 3). While the expectation is that a University Distinguished Professor will have made—and will continue to make—significant contributions under all three criteria, the relative emphasis of each area in their record of accomplishment will vary, both in the totality of that record and over the course of their academic career. The relative emphasis should reflect the nature of the nominee’s current and past academic appointment(s) and information regarding the emphasis should be stated in the nomination packet.

Under each criterion are bulleted examples of evidence that may be used to demonstrate exceptional achievements and significant impact. The abbreviated curriculum vitae and nomination narrative should provide the selection committee a clear understanding of the breadth and significance of the nominee’s accomplishments.

Criterion 1: Excellence and Leadership in Teaching and Advising

Examples:

  • Excellence and leadership in teaching and enhancement of the educational experience of students and mentees, as reflected in awards, significant and sustained professional development, student evaluation (SET) scores, and meaningful assessment practices;
  • Outstanding mentoring of undergraduates, including offering high impact learning experiences (internships, service learning, research and global learning);
  • Outstanding mentoring of graduate students and/or post-doctoral trainees through to graduation and on to successful careers;
  • The provision of sustained and significant financial support to graduate students;
  • Evidence of exceptional commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as reflected in curriculum development, pedagogy, and mentorship.

Criterion 2:  Excellence in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity

Examples:

  • An outstanding record of published research (first-rate peer-reviewed journal articles, books, technical reports, book chapters, and essays);
  • Significant and sustained contract and grant support, especially from peer reviewed sources (competitive, peer-reviewed research grants; industry sponsored grants and contracts; foundation grants; grants for artistry, performance activity, and composition);
  • High impact applied scholarly activity and technology development, including innovation and entrepreneurship activities, patents and commercialization activity, and high impact publicly engaged research and scholarship;
  • An outstanding record in the production, exhibition, or performance of creative work (visual or performing art exhibited or performed in high quality venues; art and design work presented in juried exhibitions; especially noteworthy performances, readings, or recordings);
  • Significant commissioned or collected works (commissions for creative work; works collected by public and private museums and galleries);
  • A distinguished record of invited symposia, plenary lectureships; invited seminars, distinguished lectureships, and/or participation in art and design juries at leading institutions of higher learning;
  • Awards and honors received, including membership as fellow in prestigious scholarly societies (e.g., the National Academies).

Criterion 3: Excellence in Outreach, Engagement and Service

Examples:

  • Awards and honors received for work in outreach and engagement, such as local, state and national awards from public and community organizations;
  • Evidence of high impact and broad-based, lasting change in the community and to society;
  • A distinguished record of publication of major reports, monographs, bulletins, digital materials and other information and documents that are widely used and influential in local, regional, state, national, and/or international communities;
  • Editorship of journals and organizations of panels and conferences with national and international recognition;
  • Awards and professional recognition, including holding the rank of fellow in scholarly organizations;
  • Significant committee service (elected and appointed) at department/school, college and university levels; leadership and administrative activities that have had significant impact at OSU; longstanding participation in shared governance;
  • Demonstrated leadership in advancing the University’s goals in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Submissions

To submit a complete nomination packet, assemble the nomination materials in the following order:

  • Cover submission letter to Senior Vice Provost from college dean (no more than two pages);
  • Narrative summary of accomplishments (not to exceed five pages);
  • Nominee’s abbreviated curriculum vitae (not to exceed five pages).

The dean should submit the nomination PDF via the box folder assigned to their specific college no later than Monday, December 14, 2020. Please direct questions to Sara Daly at [email protected].