Teaching

Five awards are available to honor excellence in teaching by faculty at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Tom and Julie Lutz Science and Mathematics Teaching Excellence Award

Recognizes faculty in the sciences and mathematics who demonstrates exemplary commitment to and excellence in teaching.

This award honors the legacy of two respected professors, Tom and Julie Lutz, whose scholarly, teaching, and professional work were extensions of their commitment to science education, public service, and lifelong learning. A popular undergraduate professor, Tom deftly communicated science principles to learners from other disciplines and his hands-on teaching style helped prospective elementary education teachers think about how they themselves would teach science. Julie held WSU’s first Boeing Distinguished professorship, developed numerous interdisciplinary science and math programs and college courses, and served the University in a variety of administrative roles, including department chair, associate dean, and associate provost.

Specific eligibility:  Faculty of any rank in the academic units of biological sciences, chemistry, environment, mathematics and statistics, or physics and astronomy.

Nomination packet should include:

• A broad description (limit of two pages) of why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cite specific examples of relevant accomplishments and meritorious teaching; focus on the impact of the nominee’s work within the discipline, across the institution, and/or on students. Include internal and external recognition of note.
• Additional documentation of outstanding innovation or accomplishments in teaching as appropriate. Classroom materials, course evaluations are required. Limit the course evaluation report to score summaries and selected comments and a maximum of three pages.
• At least one letter of support or testimonial from a student is required.
• CV limit: 10 pages.

Download nomination form and instructions.

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William F. Mullen Memorial Teaching Award

Recognizes faculty in the arts, humanities, sciences, or social sciences who demonstrate outstanding commitment to teaching and undergraduate education.

This award honors Dr. William Frank Mullen, a professor of political science at WSU from 1968 to 1986. He is remembered for his academic and professional accomplishments in the field of political science and as an exceptional educator.

Specific eligibility: Faculty of any rank in the arts, humanities, sciences, or social sciences disciplines.

Nomination packet should include:

• A broad description (limit of two pages) of why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cite specific examples of relevant accomplishments and meritorious teaching; focus on the impact of the nominee’s work within the discipline, across the institution, and/or on students. Include internal and external recognition of note.
• Additional documentation of outstanding innovation or accomplishments in teaching as appropriate. Course evaluations are required: limit the report to score summaries and selected comments and a maximum of three pages.
• At least one letter of support or testimonial from a student is required.
• CV limit: 10 pages.

Download nomination form and instructions.

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Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in graduate-level classroom teaching.

Specific eligibility: Tenured faculty of any rank in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nomination packet should include:

• A broad description (limit of two pages) of why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cite specific examples of relevant accomplishments and meritorious teaching; include internal and external recognition of note.
• Additional documentation of outstanding innovation or accomplishments in teaching. Course evaluations are required: limit the report to score summaries and selected comments and a maximum of three pages.
• At least one letter of support or testimonial from a student is required.
• CV limit: 10 pages.

Download nomination form and instructions.

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Excellence in Graduate Advising and Mentoring

Recognizes faculty who are effective graduate advisors and mentors; enrich the student-professor relationship through outstanding support, guidance, and knowledge within the discipline; and enable their students to complete their degree programs in a timely and scholarly manner.

Specific eligibility: Faculty at any rank who have chaired at least six WSU graduate student committees.

Nomination packet should include:

• A broad description (limit of two pages) of why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cite specific examples of relevant accomplishments, with particular focus on mentoring and positive student outcomes.
• Additional documentation of outstanding accomplishments in advising, mentoring, and teaching as appropriate. Course evaluations are required: limit the report to score summaries and selected comments and a maximum of three pages.
• At least one letter of support or testimonial from a student is required.
• CV limit: 10 pages.

Download nomination form and instructions.

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Excellence in Teaching by a Career Track Faculty Member

Recognizes career track faculty who demonstrate excellence in and outstanding commitment to classroom teaching.

Specific eligibility: Career track faculty in any academic unit within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nomination packet should include:

• A broad description (limit of two pages) of why the nominee is deserving of the award. Cite specific examples of relevant accomplishments and meritorious teaching; focus on the impact of the nominee’s work within the discipline, across the institution, and/or on students. Include internal and external recognition of note.
• Additional documentation of outstanding innovation or accomplishments in teaching. Course evaluations are required: limit the report to score summaries and selected comments and a maximum of three pages.
• At least one letter of support or testimonial from a student is required.
• CV limit: 10 pages.

Download nomination form and instructions.

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