Purpose
To recognize Mizzou faculty who demonstrate excellence in the mentoring of undergraduate students in research and creative scholarship through two awards annually:
- Arts & Humanities and Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Life Science, Math, and Physical Science (STEM)
Award
Up to two Provost Awards for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship will be given each year. Each award will include a $1,000 prize, less applicable taxes.
Eligibility
Current benefit eligible, full-time faculty who have impacted undergraduate students as researchers in significant ways over time. Full-time faculty who have completed a minimum of three years (as of Sept. 1, 2025) in a tenured, tenure track or non-tenure track position at Mizzou may be nominated.
The award is open to all benefits-eligible faculty members not holding administrative appointments above a department or division chair or head. Nominees for the award may not hold appointments that are more than 50% administrative.
Nominations
Faculty colleagues, departments, schools/colleges, students, or recognized campus organizations may nominate individuals.
The length of the nomination materials is not of primary importance because the final choice will be based on convincing evidence. The nominator is encouraged to retain a copy of any materials submitted, as unsuccessful nominations may be updated and resubmitted in successive years.
- Give evidence of UG research students mentoring through peer-reviewed publications with students as co-authors/presenters, grant applications, awards/honors for UG research, art exhibits and/performances, and other public outcomes
- Show mentorship of UG research mentoring of students through:
- Personal commitment to students focusing on UG research
- Individualization of mentoring strategies to fit student needs
- Evidence of providing student support and experience that contributes to excellence in undergraduate research
- Breadth of mentoring activities/philosophy
- Evidence of providing a supportive, encouraging environment, and promoting a positive teaching environment for UG students, which contributes to professional and personal development inside and outside of the classroom
Application Process
- Submission Requirement Form
- Nomination letter describing in detail the activities and accomplishments that qualify the candidate for the nomination. Be sure to include a statement regarding the impact of the nominee’s activities. Faculty colleagues, departments, schools/colleges, students, or recognized campus organizations may nominate individuals. (limit 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement written by candidate demonstrating professional and personal mentoring experiences, highlighting aspects of mentoring noted above in nomination materials section. (limit 3 pages)
- Candidate prepared list of UG Research activities, include list of students who the candidate has mentored over the past three years with a brief summary of outcomes and impact for each. (1 page, table format is preferred)
- Three letters of support, including at least one from candidate’s current supervisor/administrator and one from a current UG student they mentor. Remaining letter can come from a colleague or UG student. (limit 2 pages per letter)
Submissions
Annual Deadline: January 15 (due the following business day when falls on a weekend or holiday)
Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by the Divisional Dean, who may establish an earlier deadline. Submit an electronic version as a single PDF attachment via email to UMCProvostAwards@missouri.edu. Name the file as follows: YearMentor-Undergrad_LastName (e.g., 2026Mentor-Undergrad_TigerTruman). Original hard copies of the proposal packet are no longer required.
Please contact us at UMCProvostAwards@missouri.edu with any questions.
Mizzou faculty receiving one of these awards are encouraged to submit to the Council for Undergraduate Research, a national organization, if they are eligible. CUR awards competitions are divided by disciplines.