In line with UW Strategic Plan Objective 2 (Pursue Institutional Excellence) and as UW approaches R1 status, The President’s Distinguished Scholars Program seeks to recognize outstanding scholarship among faculty in all academic disciplines. Across all disciplines, UW seeks to pursue institutional excellence through world-class scholarship.
The program is designed for early-career faculty who show exceptional promise towards excellence in scholarship, but senior faculty with extraordinary excellence in scholarship will also be considered. Applications for the President’s Distinguished Scholars can be made as part of recruitment or retention packages. All college deans and directors of schools may apply for the President’s Distinguished Scholars Program. Applications should be directed to uwpres@uwyo.edu and should include:
- A letter of nomination from the Dean or Director on letterhead summarizing why the
applicant should be considered for this program from either a recruitment or retention
perspective. If applying for funds to retain a faculty member the Dean or Director
needs to demonstrate that UW is at risk of losing the nominated candidate to another
institution. The letter should also include:
- A compelling case to demonstrate exceptional scholarship and the promise thereof
- A description of how an award will contribute to UW’s goals to elevate scholarship and/or increase external funding
- Amount requested and timeframe for funds to be spent
- Requests are expected to be discipline appropriate and sufficient to make a real difference in the recruitment or retention of the candidate. Funds cannot be used toward salary.
- If the application includes reference to an outside collaborating unit, a letter from the Dean or Director of that unit in support of the applicant and their proposed work will need to be submitted as part of the application.
- The nominee’s CV including awards and special recognitions
Proposals for current faculty will be reviewed in December, March, and May. Proposals associated with faculty hiring may be submitted at the time deans are preparing the details of the academic appointment. Proposals associated with retention may be submitted at the time the retention request is made to the Provost. The individual who receives this award will also hold the title of President's Distinguished Scholar for 3 years.
Once applications have been submitted, decisions can be expected within 4 weeks.
For questions, please contact the Office of the President at uwpres@uwyo.edu
Distinguished Scholars
