CLASS Distinguished Faculty Award

Overview:

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) annually presents a Distinguished Faculty Award to recognize senior faculty who have produced nationally- and internationally-known innovative and transformative scholarship and/or creative works, and who show a strong promise of continuing excellence. Candidates for this award must have achieved preeminence in their field. All departments are encouraged to nominate their distinguished faculty for this award.

Award Description:  Winners receive a one-time award worth $10,000.  This may be taken either as a salary bonus in the year in which the award is received, or as research funds which must be spent within three years.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25, 2026, 5 P.M.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full Professor in any CLASS department
• Previous winners and members of the selection committee are ineligible.
• Those holding endowed chairs ineligible (with the exception of those holding chair titles that currently provide no resources;  if this exception applies, please note this on the nominee’s CV)
• Must have taught at UH for at least two full years prior to nomination.

Nominations must be made by the department chair.  Chairs may nominate only one candidate per year.

Required Nomination Materials:

1. Chair’s nomination letter (maximum 4 pages) to include:
   
   1. Nominee name, rank and date of faculty appointment at UH
   2. Summary of nominee’s qualifications, as well as specific examples. Evidence will vary by discipline but should mention recent achievements among other notable publications, performances, inventions, etc. produced since promotion to associate professor.
   3. Discussion of past recognition of nominee for professional accomplishments, including by disciplinary organizations and external agencies.
   4. Clear explanations of how the nominee’s professional accomplishments represent a standard of excellence for this award.
2. Nominee’s curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages).

Please compile both documents into a single PDF, with documents in the above order.  The file should be named as follows: LASTNAME_DISTINGUISHED_2026

The department chair makes the nomination by uploading the file here: Application Form

Evaluation and Selection Process:

A multidisciplinary committee of senior faculty will review the nomination materials and determine the recipients of this year's award.

Questions may be addressed to Associate Dean Susan Scarrow sscarrow@uh.edu.