James Scholar Honors Program

Distinguished Mentor Award

Our faculty mentors are cultivating the next generation of researchers, instilling a lifelong love for learning and a commitment to excellence.

The Distinguished Mentor Award recognizes an outstanding faculty mentor who has demonstrated exemplary dedication, guidance, and support in nurturing undergraduate students' intellectual and scholarly pursuits. Recipients of this award are distinguished educators who go above and beyond to create inclusive and supportive research environments where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Faculty mentors are eligible to receive this award once every three years.

Nomination Process

Each year, undergraduate students are invited to nominate faculty mentors who have played pivotal roles in their research journeys, inspiring, guiding, and empowering them to explore their academic interests and pursue scholarly endeavors.

Nomination deadline: 11:59 pm CT on Friday, March 8, 2024

To nominate a faculty mentor, please submit nomination materials, which will consist of the following:

• Student contact information
• Mentor contact information
• Minimum one-page, double-spaced nomination statement addressing how your faculty mentor has (1) inspired you to grow intellectually as a researcher, (2) supported you in your personal and professional development, and (3) instilled a passion for lifelong learning and discovery. 

There is no limit to how many students can nominate a single mentor.  If multiple students wish to nominate the same mentor, they may do so collaboratively in one submission essay, or they may do so individually.​

Award Presentation

This award will be presented at the Annual James Scholar Recognition Brunch.