Faculty Awards

Trustees’ Distinguished Professor

Ashland University Board of Trustees honors very select professors with the title and position of Trustees Distinguished Professor. The election of an Ashland University faculty member to this position brings honor to the individual, the profession of teaching, the faculty in general, and the University. This honor is to be worn with academic dignity as a leader among faculty and students. This position should allow and encourage the faculty member to advance the profession of teaching, accomplish special research and writing, and exhibit leadership in the faculty and in higher education in general. This person should believe and exemplify that the education of the mind and heart of each student is the epitome of civilization. The Trustees Distinguished Professor must at all times uphold the mission and purpose of Ashland University.

The selection for this position shall be by a Trustees Distinguished Professor Committee composed of the Chair of the Board of Trustees, a representative from the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees, the President of the University, the President of the Faculty Senate, and the Provost.

Academic Mentor Recognition

The award is given annually to selected faculty/staff members who have stimulated the personal growth and academic development of Ashland University students by their contributions beyond the classroom experience. Senior undergraduates and graduate students who have completed 75% of their program are invited to nominate an individual faculty member, staff person, or academic administrator for the Mentor Award. Judges for this award are the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees, and they make the selection based on blind review of nominees and candidates. The maximum number of Mentor Awards made each year is eight, of which no more than two may be adjunct faculty.

Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award

By mission, AU is a teaching university that supports the development of teacher-scholars among its faculty.

Through a gift by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Taylor, this annual award is given to a faculty member to recognize in-class and outside-of-class teaching excellence. Faculty are nominated by students, faculty or department chairs. Nominations consist of a one-page letter citing specific examples of exemplary teaching.

Nominated teachers who intend to be considered in the next round of reviews are asked to supply all student evaluations (numerical and written) for the past two calendar years and provide a statement of their teaching philosophy which is submitted to the Provost‘s Office. A Committee consisting of previous Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award winners will review the submitted materials and narrow the applications down to three finalists. The Committee will made an announced classroom visit to observe each of the three finalists in teaching. Based on the teaching evaluations and the other supporting material, the committee will determine the award winner. The recipient will receive a medal to be worn with regalia and a stipend of $3000.00 at the annual Academic Honors Convocation. The recipient will speak at that convocation on the importance of teaching and learning in higher education and will conduct a session on effective teaching at the Winter Faculty College. Honorable Mention certificates will be awarded to the two finalists who were not selected

Ashland University Excellence in Scholarship Award

The Ashland University Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes AU faculty who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship. All Ashland University faculty who have completed their Third Year Review may be nominated for the Award. Faculty, department chairs or deans may submit letters of nomination to the Provost‘s Office.

Nomination shall consist of a nomination letter citing specific examples of outstanding scholarship. The Provost shall contact the nominated faculty to verify their interest and require additional material to include: a complete vita, a statement that describes the impact of scholarship in the field, three letters of recommendation from internal or external sources. Letters of recommendation may not come from the selection committee. A committee consisting of the Provost or representative, faculty members, and those who have been named Trustees Distinguished Professors will review submitted materials and narrow the application to three finalists. Based on the submitted materials and the review of external experts, the Committee will select an award winner. The recipient will receive a medal to be worn with regalia, a $3000.00 honorarium, and will present at the Fall Faculty College. Honorable Mention certificates will be awarded to the two finalists who were not selected.