Distinguished Scholars Award are granted to three outstanding recently tenured and mid-career faculty who are making transformative contributions to their disciplines and to our purpose, mission and values. Candidates will be judged both on the evidence that they are achieving national/international recognition.
Sponsor
University of Arizona Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Purpose
The Distinguished Scholars Award recognizes outstanding recently tenured or mid-career faculty who create transformative innovations in their disciplines and make highly valued contributions to the teaching, research, and outreach priorities set out in the University's Strategic Plan. View the list of Distinguished Scholars.
Award
Recipients will receive a one-time allocation of $10,000 in University funds to facilitate further work within their discipline and the title of Distinguished Scholar.
Number of Awards
Up to three awards may be made each year.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates will be mid-career faculty in the tenure or continuing tracks, with priority given to those candidates of exceptional promise at the associate rank who have been promoted within the last six years at the University of Arizona. Continuing or tenure track candidates currently under an early or mandatory review for full are not eligible for this award.
Criteria
Candidates will be judged both on the evidence that they are achieving national/international recognition for ground-breaking innovations and on their broader contributions to research, teaching, and community engagement, including their efforts to meet the priorities set out in the University’s Strategic Plan.
Nomination Process
Any member of the University of Arizona community may submit a nomination. Each nomination should contain the following:
- CV for the nominee.
- A letter of support from a department head or program director.
- A letter of support from a UArizona faculty member (preferably from outside the candidate’s home department).
- A letter of support from an external reviewer (with the permission of the reviewer, a letter from a recent promotion dossier may be used).
- A letter of support from the nominee's college dean.
These nomination letters should include one from a department head or program director, one from a UA faculty member (preferably from outside the candidate’s home department), one from the candidate’s college dean, and one from an external reviewer (with the permission of the reviewer, a letter from a recent promotion dossier may be used).
The University recognizes the wide range of skills and talents that faculty bring to our thriving academic community, which drive innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The University of Arizona is committed to fostering a culture of recognition and encourages the nomination of individuals of all experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Additionally, the University values the significant contributions nominees make to advancing its land-grant mission.
Submission of Materials
Materials are to be submitted online through Arizona Cultivate: https://arizona.infoready4.com/#provost
Review the nomination packet carefully before submitting to make sure that all of the required material is accurate and included. Packets that are incomplete may be delayed.
Selection Process
The nomination should be sent to the candidate's college dean. Each dean will submit a letter for a maximum of three nominations per college. Up to three Distinguished Scholars will be selected. Nominations are reviewed by a university wide committee.
Recognition
The recipient(s), if any, will be celebrated at a special award ceremony in 2026. Recipients will receive more information through email.
Due Date
Monday, December 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Awardees will be announced by the end of April, 2026.
For More Information
Please contact: Dr. Adrián Arroyo-Pérez, +1 (520) 621-2121 or email arroyopa@arizona.edu.