The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence, outstanding performance, and selfless contributions. We highly encourage each department to consider nominating in as many categories as they can to showcase the outstanding work in their area.
Department Heads may wish to form committees or establish designees to assist with their departmental awards process.
For awards that advance to the university-level, the College will send forward one winner from each category.
The Cazier Professor Lifetime Achievement award is given annually to recognize a current senior faculty member who has demonstrated 20+ years of consistent excellence in each aspect of their role statement.
The Teacher of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and promote excellence in teaching. Faculty of any rank are eligible to be nominated. The awardee will represent the College for the University’s Eldon J. Gardner Teacher of the Year award.
The Faculty Researcher of the Year Award is given each year to an individual from the College who has completed outstanding research within the previous three years. The Vice President for Research sponsors a university award to recognize the University Researcher of the Year from among the Colleges’ nominees.
In honor of Lawrence O. Cannon, this award recognizes consistent faculty excellence in teaching, pedagogy, and mentorship over several at USU. Emphasis is placed on longitudinal success in teaching activities.
The Distinction in Creativity Award honors a faculty member of any rank whose work exemplifies innovation, originality, and excellence in creative endeavors. This recognition celebrates the many ways creativity enriches teaching, research, artistic expression, and scholarly contributions across a wide range of disciplines. Faculty members from any department are eligible for nomination.
The Outstanding Graduate Mentor of the Year recognizes faculty who have a record of excellence in graduate student mentorship. The college will select two recipients, one mentor for Masters students, and one mentor for Ph.D. students, though only one will advance to the university-level awards.
The Faculty Service Award is given each year to recognize and encourage excellence in service to university operations and governance. Nominees must be full-time faculty members (tenure-track, tenured, or term appointments) without administrative role statements.
The Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and encourage excellence in student mentoring beyond standard classroom interaction. Mentoring may be understood as “building a purposeful and personal relationship in which a more experienced person (mentor) provides guidance, feedback, and wisdom to facilitate the growth and development of a less experienced person (mentee).”
The Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year Award is given each year to faculty who mentor undergraduate researchers.
The Lecturer of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in teaching within the Lecturer ranks. This is a college-level award. There is no university counterpart.
The Professional Practice or Clinical Faculty of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in our clinical and professional ranks. This is a college-level award. There is no university counterpart.
The Professional Advisor of the Year Award is given to recognize and emphasize excellence in academic advising.
Recognizing a staff member who demonstrates exceptional service, dependability, and collaboration through a consistent commitment to supporting colleagues, faculty, departments, and the college. This individual goes above and beyond, willingly stepping up wherever needed to contribute to the success of the Arts & Sciences community.
Recognizing a staff member who consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, civility, and respect while fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive Arts & Sciences community. Through their everyday interactions and actions, they treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect, making colleagues feel valued, heard, welcomed, and included while contributing to a positive workplace culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.
Recognizing an early-career staff member who demonstrates exceptional promise, initiative, and dedication through meaningful contributions to the Arts & Sciences community. This individual has quickly made a noticeable and significant impact through their work, collaboration, and willingness to take on new opportunities, while showing tremendous potential for continued growth and leadership.
Recognizing a staff member whose career reflects sustained excellence, dedication, leadership, and meaningful service to the College of Arts & Sciences. Through their years of commitment and contributions, they have made a lasting impact on the college, its people, and its mission, leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit the Arts & Sciences community.
Recognizing the exceptional contributions of administrative and support staff who help the College of Arts & Sciences fulfill its mission.
The Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in graduate research. Other scholarly activities may be considered in the selection process, but the main emphasis will be on duties performed and contributions made, with a secondary emphasis on GPA.
The Master’s Student Researcher of the Year is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in graduate research. Other scholarly activities may be considered in the selection process, but the main emphasis will be on research and contributions, with a secondary emphasis on GPA.
The Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in undergraduate research.
The Graduate Student Teacher of the Year is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in graduate teaching. The college will select two recipients, one mentor for Master’s students, and one mentor for Ph.D. students.
The Legacy of Utah State Award is given each year to recognize and emphasize a student who represents the heart and soul of the university. Students should show a commitment to the institution and their program of study, as well as demonstrate internal involvement and service, department dedication, perseverance during times of adversity, and contribution behind the scenes.
The Scholar of the Year Award is given each year to honor and highlight outstanding academic achievement. Strong consideration is given to candidates who demonstrate significant involvement in extracurricular and experiential learning activities, as well as leadership and service contributions during their time at USU.
The College of Arts and Sciences valedictorian is a graduating senior recognized for their strong academic achievement and evidence of excellence in multiple domains such as student leadership, research/creative activities, and experiential learning. The valedictorian serves as an exemplary representative of their class and will deliver a speech at the College’s commencement. This award is directly selected by the Dean.
The “Student of the Year” award highlights a student’s outstanding academic achievement and commitment to their chosen field of study. Each department may designate one undergraduate Student of the Year.
The Community-Engaged Award recognizes the work of outstanding faculty and staff that exemplify collaboration between USU and the greater community for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
Formerly known as the Aggie Spirit Award, the Perpetual Motivator Award, or the Giraffe Award
The GOAT Award recognizes faculty and staff who are resilient, resourceful, and willing to climb towards new possibilities. Much like a sure-footed mountain goat, these individuals persevere through challenges, take thoughtful chances, and use their steady footing and creativity to elevate and strengthen their colleagues, their departments, their students, and the larger ArtSci community.
