Purpose
The Distinguished Mentor in Undergraduate Research Award recognizes faculty mentors who provide transformative experiences for undergraduate students engaged in scholarly research or creative activity. Undergraduate research (UR) is a high-impact practice that directly supports the university's academic success goals. Effectively participating in UR helps to support student success and ignite students' passion for discovery while connecting them with the expertise of our world-class faculty.
In alignment with U of A’s commitment to Success for Every Student, UR contributes to student retention and a higher GPA, reduces time to degree completion, and enhances post-graduation outcomes. UR also benefits Arizona communities by supporting workforce development, creating pathways to high-demand careers, and strengthening partnerships with industry. Mentored undergraduate engagement contributes to faculty research objectives by supporting grant-funded projects and helping advance solutions to important questions across disciplines. Faculty mentors who create quality research and creative activity experiences play a direct role in advancing U of A’s mission and expanding the research capacity of our top-20 public research institution, all while helping students thrive.
This award honors faculty members who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentoring undergraduate scholars in research and creative activity. It recognizes individuals whose innovative, holistic, and student-centered approach to mentorship has elevated the quality of undergraduate research experiences and set a standard of excellence for undergraduate mentoring across the university.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates will be faculty from any track at the full professor rank.
Award
Recipients will receive a one-time allocation of $3,000 in University funds to facilitate further work within their discipline. One award will be given annually.
Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on the significance of their contributions to mentoring undergraduate students as engaged scholars who develop a passion for discovery, creativity, and research innovation at the University of Arizona. This may include inspiring students to pursue research opportunities, innovative engineering and product development, creative scholarship, or unique forms of artistic expression and interpretation.
Preference will be given to candidates who have taken the Wildcat Mentoring Training (Undergraduate Mentoring training sponsored by the MENTOR Institute in the Office of Faculty Affairs) found in EDGE Learning or the Inclusive Mentoring of Undergraduates training.
An example of mentoring undergraduate students in research and/or creative activity can include but is not limited to the following: independent study, honors thesis, paid research experience, research lab experience, capstone projects, acceptance into graduate programs, job attainment after graduation, entrepreneurial activities, involvement in a CURE course or VIP team, summer research internship experiences, or involvement in programs such as MARC, UROC, ASEMS, ENGAGED, TIMESTEP, and working with STEM Learning Communities
Nomination Process
Faculty can be nominated by another faculty member from any rank and track. One nomination packet per nominee must be submitted with the following materials: through the Arizona Cultivate site by Monday, December 7th, 2026, 5pm.
- CV for the nominee.
- Letter of nomination from a faculty member
- Letter(s) from one or more undergraduate students that underscore the faculty member’s contributions to the criteria listed below.
- One-page letter of support from the Department Head or School Director of the faculty member being nominated.
- One-page letter of support from the Dean of the faculty member being nominated.
Nominations will be reviewed by a committee based on the following criteria:
- Significant contribution to the mentoring of undergraduate students in quality research and/or creative activity experiences.
- Evidence of mentee success in research, creative expression, human understanding, or industry innovation as evidenced by completion of theses or capstone experiences, authorship on publications, presentations at conferences or artistic events, or next-step internships, programs, or positions in the field.
- Evidence of mentee growth and support within a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth in alignment with the U of A’s commitment to Success for Every Student. Testimonials of growth/support in student support letters or in other nomination materials may serve as evidence.
- Evidence of student connections with professional networks, collaborators, and/or opportunities that advance students’ research, creative activity, or career development. Examples include but are not limited to- connections to a research experience abroad with colleagues, participation in a side project with a larger group of collaborators, and additional industry or community-partner experiences.
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.