Sponsor
University of Arizona Foundation.
Purpose
This award recognizes excellence in the art of teaching at all levels, but the Foundation places particular emphasis on teaching at the undergraduate level.
Award
One $2,500 award and the placement of a plaque in the Donna Swaim Honors Lounge in the Student Union Memorial Center.
Number of Awards
Up to one award may be made each year.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates are tenure-eligible, tenured, continuing eligible, continuing status, and career-track faculty who have a long-standing association (at least five years) with the University.
Criteria
Unusually outstanding teaching methodologies; a demonstrated effort to ensure the quality of students' learning experiences; and consistently high scholarly standard in both rigor and currency of course content.
Nomination Process
Candidates may be nominated by students, parents, faculty, department heads or deans. Nomination packages must include:
- A letter of nomination containing the names(s) of the nominator(s)
- Nominee's current curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy (2-4 pages)
- Teaching documentation including descriptions of teaching methods and techniques (2-4 pages)
- Evaluation summaries from students across courses for the past three years. Thus, student evaluations from Spring and Fall 2020 will not be required.
- Letters of recommendation from students (maximum of 6)
- Letters of recommendations from peers and relevant administrators (maximum of 3)
The nomination letter and letters of recommendation should highlight the nominee's creative and innovative contributions to teaching.
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 submitted online through Arizona Cultivate.
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
Nominations are reviewed by a distinguished university-wide committee. Official notification of award recipients will be provided to the individual recipient, the Dean of the respective College, and the department head. For nominations not selected, notifications will be sent to both the nominee and the nominator listed in Cultivate.
Recognition
The recipient(s), if any, will be celebrated at a special award ceremony in 2026. Recipients will receive information about the ceremony 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.