Recognizing Excellence: UCF's Faculty Awards Programs
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is committed to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of its faculty. Through a variety of awards programs, UCF acknowledges faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, service, and mentorship. These awards not only honor individual accomplishments but also contribute to the university's strategic goals of enhancing academic excellence and national recognition.
In-Unit Excellence in Research Awards
The University Research Council and the Office of the Vice President for Research jointly offer the In-Unit Excellence in Research Awards. These awards recognize faculty members who have made significant contributions to their respective fields through research and creative activities.
Application Process
Applications for the In-Unit Excellence in Research Awards are submitted through Interfolio. The application package includes:
- Supporting Materials: Up to three examples of the applicant's work may be provided.
- Primary Area of Research: A brief description of the applicant's primary area of research (limited to 250 characters).
- Value and Impact of Research Efforts at UCF: A concise description of the value and impact of the applicant's research efforts at UCF, including contributions to the discipline and society (limited to 500 characters). Examples include new discoveries, major contributions, creativeness, originality, and significant breakthroughs.
- Research/Creative Activity Outlets: A list of outlets where the applicant's research or creative work has been disseminated (limited to 250 characters).
- Research/Creative Recognition: A list of awards, honors, or other forms of recognition received for the applicant's research or creative work (limited to 250 characters).
Evaluation and Award
The dean of each college appoints a faculty committee to evaluate all applications and select recipients for the College Excellence in Research Award. One university-level recipient is selected from the college-level awardees and receives an additional monetary award. Evaluation criteria include the impact of the research, recognition in the field, and research/creative activity outlets.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Awards
The In-Unit Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching at the undergraduate level. College-level awards are distributed proportionally based on the number of eligible faculty in each college.
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Funding
Recipients of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award receive a one-time payment. The university-level recipient receives an additional one-time payment.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through Interfolio, and the dean of each college appoints a faculty committee to evaluate applications and select the College Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award recipients.
Additional Faculty Recognition Programs
In addition to the In-Unit Excellence Awards, UCF offers a variety of other programs to recognize faculty achievements. These include:
Student Research Week Awards
The Excellence Awards are presented annually during Student Research Week to celebrate exceptional students and faculty mentors who work diligently throughout the year on their research and other endeavors.
Examples of Student Research Week Award Recipients:
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- Luis Santori (Faculty Mentor: Kerri Donaldson Hanna, Department of Physics, COS)
- Isabella Marcon (Faculty Mentor: Steven L.)
College of Medicine Faculty Awards
The College of Medicine recognizes its faculty members at an annual awards ceremony. The core faculty awards and nomination processes are detailed in the criteria document.
LIFE at UCF Women Faculty Recognition Award
In partnership with Life at UCF, Faculty Excellence celebrates women faculty whose scholarship, teaching, and/or service advance the success of undergraduate and graduate students with the LIFE at UCF Women Faculty Recognition Award. The focus of this award is on a "Commitment to do Extraordinary Things." The award is designed to celebrate a successful initiative spearheaded by an applicant or nominee. The effort must have an academic focus and be within the last five years or ongoing. Applicants must have a leadership role in the initiative and be able to explain the current or future impact. Efforts can be formal or informal.
Pegasus Professor Award
The Pegasus Professor award recognizes excellence in teaching, research, and service.
UCF Trustee Chair Professorships
The UCF Trustee Chair Professorships were established to both retain outstanding UCF faculty and attract exceptional faculty to UCF. The Professorship is a multi-year appointment awarded to employees with an extraordinary record of accomplishment in the three primary areas of academic endeavor: teaching, research, and service.
Women of Distinction Awards
The Women of Distinction awards highlight the achievements of outstanding faculty at UCF. Three awards are given each year for “Excellence in Research and Creative Works.” Accomplishments must be from the past year and have demonstrated impact in or outside of the UCF community.
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Women's History Month Recognition Award
UCF celebrates Women’s History Month each year by recognizing and applauding one woman faculty member for each day of the month with the Women’s History Month Recognition Award.
University Travel Award
The University Travel award supports the objective in our strategic plan to increase national and international recognition of faculty and student excellence.
Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award
One Excellence in Graduate Teaching award is available through this program for the College of Medicine.
Undergraduate Mentor of the Year
The Mentor of the Year has a profound impact on her students’ undergraduate careers.
Examples of Undergraduate Mentor of the Year:
- May: Riley Shurack, whose mentor is Dr.
- June: Juliet Cahow whose mentor is Dr.
- July: Geela Margo Ramos who is mentored by Dr.
- August: Julia Rifenberg, whose mentor is Dr.
- September: Cerena Moreno who is mentored by Dr.
- October: Angela Shar who is mentored by Dr.
- November: Christine Sarkis whose mentor is Dr.
- December: Neda Hamood whose mentor is Dr.
- January: Ana Garcia whose mentor is Dr.
- February: Marnie Williams whose mentor is Dr.
- March: Tyler Morrill who’s mentored by Dr.
- Erica: Erica was nominated by Associate Professor Dr. She is in the Education PhD, Exercise Physiology Track, College of Health Professions and Sciences.
- Davide: He is in the College of Sciences and is earning a doctorate in Biology. Davide was nominated by the following faculty: Dr. Barb Sharanowski; Ms. Michelle Yeargain; and Dr.
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