At CAHNR, we take pride in acknowledging the exceptional work of our faculty, staff, and graduate students who consistently go above and beyond in the realms of teaching, research, extension, and service.
Spirit of the Land Grant Award
The CAHNR Spirit of the Land Grant Award recognizes faculty that embraces the Land Grant Mission in our college. This award will be given to a CAHNR faculty member who integrates research, teaching, and extension in their program.
The Land Grant Mission
- The Morrill Act of 1862 was created to establish state institutions to educate people in agriculture and mechanics arts without excluding scientific and classic studies. Since then, Land Grant Universities have received incentives from the federal government to generate and pass along new information in food and agriculture, economic development, among others, as stated in the hatch Act of 1887 and the Smith-Lever Act 1914, for instance.
The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources has its roots in serving the public with the most updated scientific information. Additionally, the outreach and research is combined with formal teaching. The spirit of the Land Grant Award aims to honor faculty that reinforces our mission of integrating education, research, and outreach, going above and beyond their formal appointment.
Eligibility:
- Faculty or Staff in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
Nomination
- Nominations should be submitted by a CAHNR employee.
- Nominations will not be accepted for groups.
- Nominations packets should follow the guidelines and include all required.
documents.
Nomination required documents:
- A nomination cover letter should be no longer than one page.
- The cover letter should mention, in a non-technical way, why the candidate is suitable for the award based on the award criteria.
- A content section, no more than three pages that should be divided into the following topics:
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- Summary
- Description of the candidate's career and its highlights on teaching, research, and extension.
- Summary
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- Evidence of Research Innovation
- The candidate should demonstrate how the research program is successful by publications, grants, patents, among others
- The candidate should demonstrate how the research program is successful by publications, grants, patents, among others
- Evidence of Research Innovation
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- Evidence of Education Success
- The candidate should show evidence of teaching and learning success in educational activities for K12, undergraduate and graduate students, and/or professionals. Surveys, student evaluation of teaching and/or other evidence of teaching success should be used.
- Extension and Outreach
- A description of the candidate's participation in extension or outreach programs and their impacts should be stated in this section. Focus on the involvement of the candidate should be a priority instead of a detailed program description.
- A description of the candidate's participation in extension or outreach programs and their impacts should be stated in this section. Focus on the involvement of the candidate should be a priority instead of a detailed program description.
- Evidence of Education Success
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- Integration and the Land Grant Mission
- In this section, the candidate should demonstrate how their career aligns with the Land Grant Mission, especially showing the integration of teaching, research, and education.
- In this section, the candidate should demonstrate how their career aligns with the Land Grant Mission, especially showing the integration of teaching, research, and education.
- Integration and the Land Grant Mission
- Only the first page of the nomination cover letter and the first three pages of the nomination section will be evaluated in case they exceed the maximum length.
- Up to three letters of support
- The Excellence Committee recommends that at least one letter of support comes from an external source (i.e., not from UConn).
- If more than three letters of support are submitted, only the first three will be used, and the subsequent ones will be ignored.
- Candidate's Curriculum Vitae should contain the following sections:
- Education
- Appointments
- Memberships
- Service
- Funded Grants
- Awards
- Publications
CAHNR Excellence in Research Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Excellence in Research Award is designed to recognize UConn CAHNR faculty members and/or staff, demonstrating a superior commitment to an on-going research program.
Nomination Requirements:
- Must be a UConn faculty.
- Must be engaged in and show evidence of an on-going outstanding and creative research program.
Nomination/Application Process:
- Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty who can complete the nomination form.
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the Excellence in Research Award.
- Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years.
- Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in electronic form using pdf format in one file. Required documents are listed below. The pdf file name format is ResearchExcellence_NomineeName.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents for the Nomination Packet
- Nomination Form
- A non-technical statement from the candidate (3 pages maximum) including
- overview of the research program over the past ten years;
- philosophy and vision regarding research;
- application of research philosophy; and
- research innovations over the past ten years.
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit to include:
- the names, level, and date graduated (or anticipated) for all graduate students;
- type and amount of grants or contracts received in the past 10 years (descending order)
- peer reviewed publications in the past 10 years, and
- awards for research papers presented.
Selection Criteria:
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence and lasting impact in the following areas:
- Evidence of innovation in developing research collaborations and partnerships;
- Evidence of excellence in research focusing on priority issues tied to the College Academic Plan or the input of stakeholders;
- Evidence of continual interest in the improvement of research program;
- Creativity or innovation pertaining to research methods;
- Evidence of meaningful impact on a community, our state, region or beyond;
- Evidence of going above and beyond the expected duties of the position.
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
Excellence in Early Career Research Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Excellence in Early Career Research Award is designed to recognize UConn CAHNR faculty members and/or staff, demonstrating a superior commitment to an emerging research program.
The nominee must meet the following criteria:
- All current UConn faculty who have fewer than 5 years of experience in a tenure-track, or non-tenure Research position at UConn (or another tertiary education institution) are eligible for the CAHNR Excellence in Early Career Research Award. Years of service in a post-doctoral or non-academic positions do not count toward eligibility.
- Must be engaged in and show evidence of an emerging outstanding and creative research program.
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the CAHNR Excellence in Early Career Research Award.
Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty who can provide a nomination for the award.
Faculty may not self-nominate.
Faculty should also submit an application letter of not greater than 3 pages describing their appropriateness for the award. This letter should include the following:
- Overview of the research program over their time at UConn.
- Philosophy and vision regarding research.
- Application of research philosophy and
- Research innovations over their time at UConn.
Curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit to include at least the following:
- The names, level, and date graduated (or anticipated) for all graduate students;
- Type and amount of grants or contracts received at UConn (descending order)
- Peer reviewed publications while at UConn, and
- Awards for research papers presented.
The nomination form should be completed by a single nominator. The nomination form, the curriculum vitae, and the 3-page faculty application letter are the only materials that will be reviewed.
Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
CAHNR Excellence in Engagement/Outreach Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources request nominations for the CAHNR Excellence in Engagement Award. This award is designed to recognize UConn CAHNR faculty and/or staff, demonstrating a superior commitment to an on-going outreach/engagement program.
Nomination Requirements:
- Must be a UConn faculty or staff with no formal extension appointment;
- Must be a faculty or staff member who is actively involved in outreach/engagement efforts that complement their teaching and/or research programs.
Nomination/Application Process:
- Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty or staff who can write letters of nomination and support.
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the Excellence in Engagement Award.
- Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years.
- Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in the order listed below as an electronic form as a single pdf titled “ExcellenceEngagementOutreach_NomineeName”.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
- Nomination Form
- No more than two (2) additional letters in support (may be a team nomination) from persons with an intimate knowledge of the nominee’s outreach/engagement program.
- A non-technical statement from the candidate (3 pages maximum) including
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- overview of the engagement/outreach program over the past five years;
- philosophy and vision regarding engagement;
- application of engagement philosophy; and
- program innovations over the past five years;
- Optional, but recommended: a succinct portfolio of engagement program materials, impacts, and evaluation documents or preferably a one-page document with brief descriptions and hyperlinks to the supporting exemplars (a link to a program website is not sufficient).
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit to include grants, publications, and service to the department, college, university, and beyond over the past 5 years; and any prior awards for outreach/engagement.
Selection Criteria:
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence and lasting impact in the following areas:
- Outstanding contributions in developing collaborations and partnerships that lead to measurable outcomes;
- The ability to motivate and stimulate participants through outreach or engagement activities;
- Creativity or innovation regarding outreach/engagement methods or techniques for disseminating information;
- Meaningful impact on a community, our state, region, or beyond; or
- Going above and beyond the expected duties of the position for outreach/engagement.
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
NEW! CAHNR Excellence in Extension
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources request nominations for the CAHNR Excellence in Extension Award. This award is designed to recognize UConn CAHNR faculty members and/or staff who have demonstrated superior accomplishments in support of UConn Extension
Nomination Requirements:
- Must be a UConn faculty or staff in the Department of Extension or a formal Extension appointment in another CAHNR department;
- Must have at least five years of Extension experience at UConn.
- Nominations must be submitted by the established deadline.
Nomination/Application Process:
- Interested individuals may be nominated by a current CAHNR colleague or may complete a self-nomination.
- Application packets must include the documents listed in the Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet, as described in the following section, and must be submitted as an electronic document in a single PDF entitled Extension Excellence_NomineeName.
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the Excellence in Extension award.
- Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years.
Selection Criteria:
Selection will be based on documentation of superior accomplishments in the criteria listed in the following Table of Contents.
- Table of Contents:
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- A brief signed statement from the applicant’s Department Head indicating approval of the application.
- Impactful Extension programs. Describe major program efforts and evidence of measurable outcomes leading to positive social, economic, and/or environmental impacts over time for the target audience served. (Limit: 1 single spaced page)
- Public dissemination of work. Describe significant efforts to make knowledge accessible to the public through written or oral communication (e.g., blogs, websites, podcasts, newspaper columns, periodicals, fact sheets, YouTube videos). (Limit ½ single spaced page)
- Scholarly dissemination of work. Summarize peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, conference posters, and any other scholarly work that contributes to elevating Extension as a profession. (Limit ½ single spaced page)
- Selected accomplishments. List previous recognition relevant to Extension. (Limit: ½ single spaced page)
- Leadership, service, and engagement in Extension professional associations, other national or international organizations, and the Extension profession, broadly defined. (Limit: ½ single spaced page)
- No more than two (2) letters of support, one of which must be from a current or past participant in an Extension program led by the applicant. (Limit: 2 single spaced pages per letter)
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award is designed to recognize superior teaching by early-career UConn CAHNR faculty members.
Nomination Requirements
All current UConn faculty who hold a teaching appointment in CAHNR and have fewer than 5 years of teaching experience in a tenure-track, adjunct, in-residence, or instructor position at any tertiary education institution are eligible for the Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award. Years of service in research and/or extension positions that did not include a teaching component do not count toward eligibility. Years of service in a post-doctoral position that included teaching responsibilities, but were not the primary job duty, do not count toward eligibility.
Each department may nominate at most two candidates for the Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award.
Nomination/Application Process
Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty who can write letters of nomination and support.
Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in the order listed below as an electronic form as a single pdf titled “KinsmanTeaching_NomineeName”.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
- Nomination Form
- A completed nomination form from a current employee of UConn. This includes any member of the faculty, staff, or administration. A single nomination form signed by multiple individuals (a team nomination) is also permissible. The nomination form must clearly state the category of nomination (Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award) and the discipline of the nominee’s teaching program. It is recommended that nomination form are dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
- At least three letters of support from current or former students that address the nomination form questions. Additional letters of support addressing the selection criteria are optional, but strongly encouraged. Student letters of support must be dated within two academic years of the one for which the nominee is being considered, e.g., letters of support for the 2020-2021 Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award must be dated no later than August 2018.
- A non-technical statement from the nominee (3- pages maximum) that provides an overview of their teaching program, describes their teaching philosophy, and addresses the selection criteria listed below.
- A curriculum vitae that includes current appointment at UConn, educational and employment history, and the following information for the preceding five years: courses taught; graduate students supervised (with post-degree placement, if available); peer-reviewed publications; sources and amount of extramural funding; service to the department, college, university, and community; and awards or distinctions earned. Curriculum vitae must be limited to five pages or fewer.
- OIR teaching evaluations for all courses taught only in the preceding four semesters. The nominee is encouraged to refer to these evaluations in their application statement to provide additional context. Student comments should not be included.
- A learning module portfolio for one class/laboratory including class goal, learning objectives, class activities, examination questions and assignments linked to one class to illustrate how the nominee meets the selection criteria of the award and are referenced in the non-technical statement (see above) is optional, but encouraged. Nominees are encouraged to submit succinct supporting exemplars or to provide a one-page document with brief descriptions and hyperlinks to the supporting exemplars (a link to a nominees website is not sufficient).
Selection Criteria:
Eligible candidates for the Kinsman CAHNR Excellence in Teaching Award will be evaluated on the basis of excellence and lasting impact in teaching. Award applications should therefore address the nominee’s demonstration of the following:
- Outstanding contributions to the teaching program offered by the university, college, and department;
- Ability to motivate and stimulate student learning through their teaching and advising activities;
- Development and use of new course materials, technological innovations, and pedagogical approaches that measurably improve student learning outcomes;
- Partnerships with other faculty, staff, and/or professionals that enhance the value of their teaching and/or advising program;
- Collaboration with undergraduate and/or graduate students on research projects, including the presentation of results at conferences, publication of peer-reviewed articles, and acquisition of extra-mural funding;
- Successful placement of former students in graduate programs, fellowships, and/or professional positions.
Selection and Notification Process
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony.
Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
Cooperative Extension Awards and Guidelines
Epsilon Sigma Phi Fund Extension Awards
Eligibility: Cooperative Extension staff and faculty who meet the criteria established for the awards.
Purpose: To recognize outstanding Cooperative Extension faculty and staff and provide support for programmatic enhancements for the honoree. Honorees shall be selected for the following awards based on the criteria established for each award.
- The Arland R. Meade Communications Award will recognize an Extension faculty or staff member who has helped improve communications within or for Cooperative Extension.
- The Doris Lane Award shall be an outstanding Cooperative Extension member who has been employed for at least two years.
- The Alpha Chi Chapter honoree shall be a Cooperative Extension member who has pursued a program of personal professional improvement.
- The Mary “Lib” Jacobsen Award will recognize an individual who has pursued coursework or workshops in Nutrition.
Submit: A letter of nomination not to exceed three pages. The letter should designate the specific award that applies.
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Extension All-Hands Meeting in the spring.
Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism and Inclusion Award
Nomination Requirements:
- All current UConn staff, faculty or students in CAHNR. Three awards will be given: student, faculty and staff.
- Must be engaged in and show evidence of impactful change in the realms of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
Nomination/Application Process:
- Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to those who can write letters of nomination and support.
- Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in electronic form using pdf format in one file. Required documents are listed below. The pdf file name format is Justice_NomineeName.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents for the Nomination Packet
- A letter of nomination dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered from a colleague or peer demonstrating how the nominee meets the criteria
- No more than two (2) additional letters in support from persons with an intimate knowledge of ways the meets the award criteria
- A non-technical statement from the candidate (3 pages maximum) including background, philosophy and vision related to antiracism and justice in CAHNR, overview of activities demonstrating a commitment to Justice, Equity, Anti-racism and Inclusion of underserved minorities and minoritized communities within or served by the work and programs of CAHNR.
- Demonstrable impacts or changes made as a result of the candidate activities
Review process: CAHNR WGSR will review nominations to make recommendations to Excellence Committee
Reference Materials (these should be uploaded to a public place as educational resources):
- For reference please view the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Presentation “Move Toward Being an Antiracist and Justice Oriented University”
- View the mission, values, and areas of focus of the Working Group on Structural Racism
Selection Criteria:
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated impact in one or more of the following areas:
- Evidence of innovation in developing research collaborations and partnerships that promotes JEDI;
- Evidence of excellence in research focusing on priority issues tied to the College Academic Plan or the input of stakeholders;
- Evidence of increasing activity and development of an emerging research program;
- Creativity or innovation pertaining to research methods;
- Evidence of going above and beyond the expected duties of the position.
- Identifying barriers to justice, inclusion and equity in policies of practice
- Creating a welcoming environment within the College
- Furthering efforts to discuss, understand and address elements of structural racism and exclusion from participating in CAHNR teaching, outreach and research
- Promoting justice, equity and inclusion in our Communities
- Advance the mission, values and work of the SGSR
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria and recommendations of WGSR. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the CAHNR Honors and Awards ceremony. Award Funds will be deposited into a university account for the awardee(s)’ use on/before October 1 of the year of the award.
CAHNR Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award
(M.S. and Ph.D. Categories)
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award is designed to recognize the superior scholarship of UConn CAHNR graduate students. Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence and lasting impact in the following areas:
- Outstanding contributions to research/creative activity
- Future promise as a researcher
- Originality; imagination
- Satisfactory progress toward a degree
- Research mentoring to peers and/or undergraduates
Nomination Requirements:
- Must be a current UConn M.S. or Ph.D. degree-seeking graduate student or professional student in good academic standing at time of nomination;
- Must show evidence of outstanding scholarly/creative productivity as a graduate student or professional student;
- Must show evidence of national visibility in research/creative activity (e.g., publications, presentations, juried exhibits of performance). Visibility could also include evidence of recognition and honors in endeavors related to the research and/or creative activities.
- Each department may nominate only ONE M.S. and only ONE Ph.D. candidate for the Graduate Student Research and Creativity Award. Therefore, departments that have multiple nominations must select a single nominee to forward to the CAHNR Excellence Committee.
Nomination/Application Process:
Students interested in applying for this award should make their interest known to faculty who can write letters of nomination and support. Additionally, faculty are asked to identify and encourage students to prepare application materials that will be submitted.
Students may not self-nominate.
Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in the order listed below as an electronic form as a single pdf titled “GradStudentResearchCreativity_NomineeName”.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
The nomination should be completed by a single nominator, which could be either an individual or a group of faculty. Nomination form, a Curriculum vitae, and the student application letter are the only materials that will be reviewed.
- Nomination Form. It is recommended that nomination forms are dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
- A clear, complete, and non-technical description (one page written by the nominee) of the program of research or creative activities accomplished as a graduate/professional student at UConn.
- The nominee’s 5-page limit curriculum vitae including grants, awards, publications, performances, exhibitions (e.g. dates, locations, page numbers, co-authorship, publication status). Indicate with an asterisk (or by some other means) those publications, exhibitions or presentations that were selected through a formal independent referee or competitive process.
Selection Process
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony.
CAHNR Graduate Student Teaching Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award is designed to recognize the superior teaching ability of UConn CAHNR graduate students.
Nomination Requirements
Current graduate students with assigned teaching responsibilities at time of nomination will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated teaching excellence and lasting impact in the following areas:
• Successful classroom performance
• Enthusiasm and commitment
• Satisfactory progress toward a degree
• Mentoring to peers and/or undergraduates
Nomination/Application Process
Students may not self-nominate.
A department may nominate ONE graduate student for the CAHNR Graduate Teaching Assistant Award.
Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in the order listed below as an electronic form as a single pdf titled “GradStudentTeaching_NomineeName”.
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
1. Nomination Form. It is recommended that nomination form is dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
2. Minimum of two letters of evaluation required (three maximum) from faculty, graduate student, colleagues and/or undergraduate students. At least one letter must be from an undergraduate student.
3. Candidate's resume or curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit.
Selection Process
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony.
CAHNR and the College Alumni (UCAHNRA) Outstanding Staff Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and the College Alumni Board request nominations to recognize exceptional staff.
Nomination Requirements
- An individual staff member with a minimum of three years of service within the College
- Nominees must provide exceptional support and assistance to faculty, students or other staff in the College
- Nominees must work well with students, faculty, co-workers, stakeholders and the public
- Nominees must strive for professional improvement
Nomination/Application Process
- Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty or staff who can write letters of nomination and support
- Nomination packets and letters of support must be submitted in the order listed below as an electronic form as a single pdf titled CAHNR Staff _NomineeName
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates; separate nomination packets must be submitted for each indvidual.
- Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years
Required Documents for the Nomination packet:
- A letter of nomination from the Dean or Department Head to include the name of the award and specific examples of how the nominee meets the selection criteria. It is recommended that nomination letters are dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
- No more than two (2) additional support letters that address the selection criteria as appropriate (optional).
Selection Criteria:
CAHNR Excellence Committee members will review the nomination packet. Eligible candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence and lasting impact in the following areas:
- Initiative
- Commitment above and beyond the expected duties of the position
- Work ethic and dedication to Department and College
- Demonstrated pursuit of professional development for the continued improvement of skills associated with the position
Selection and Notification Process
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Award candidate selections will be presented to UCAHNRA Board for approval.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds for use by the Awardee are disbursed on or before Oct 1 through the Dean’s Office.
CAHNR and College Alumni (UCAHNRA) Excellence in Teaching Award
The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and the College Alumni Board request nominations for the UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is designed to recognize superior teaching by UConn CAHNR faculty members.
Nomination Requirements
- Must be a UConn faculty member with at least 5 years of teaching experience in a tenure-track, adjunct, clinical, in-residence, lecturer, or instructor position.
- Must show evidence of outstanding teaching and advising contributions to the university, college, and department.
Nomination/Application Process
- Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty or staff who can complete the nomination form.
- Application packets must include the following documents in the order listed below and be submitted as an electronic document in a single pdf titled UCAHNRATeaching_NomineeName.
- Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award
- Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
- Nomination Form
- A completed nomination form from a current employee of UConn. This includes any member of the faculty, staff, or administration. A single nomination form signed by multiple individuals (a team nomination) is also permissible. The nomination form must clearly state the category of nomination (UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award) and the discipline of the nominee’s teaching program. It is recommended that nomination forms are dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
- Three letters of support from current or former students that address the nomination form questions. Student letters of support must be dated within two academic years of the one for which the nominee is being considered.
- A non-technical statement from the nominee (three pages maximum) that provides an overview of their teaching program, describes their teaching philosophy and vision regarding teaching, program innovations, impact and/or evaluation and addresses the selection criteria.
- A curriculum vitae of no more than 5 pages.
- Teaching evaluations for all courses taught only in the preceding four semesters. The nominee is encouraged to refer to these evaluations in their application statement to provide additional context. Student comments should not be included.
- A learning module portfolio for one class/laboratory including class goal, learning objectives, class activities, examination questions and assignments linked to one class to illustrate how the nominee meets the selection criteria of the award and are referenced in the non-technical statement (see above) is optional, but encouraged. Nominees are encouraged to submit succinct supporting exemplars or to provide a one-page document with brief descriptions and hyperlinks to the supporting exemplars (a link to a nominee’s website is not sufficient).
Selection Criteria
Eligible candidates for the UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award will be evaluated on the basis of excellence and lasting impact in teaching. Award applications should therefore address the nominee’s demonstration of the following:
- Ability to motivate and stimulate student learning through their teaching and advising activities;
- Development and use of new course materials, technological innovations, and pedagogical approaches that measurably improve student learning outcomes;
- Focus on priority issues tied to the University, College or Department strategic initiatives, Academic Plans or the input of stakeholders;
- Partnerships with other faculty, staff, and/or professionals that enhance the value of their teaching and/or advising program.
- Demonstrated pursuit of professional development for the continued improvement of teaching and student learning.
Selection and Notification Process
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select an award candidate based on evaluations of the selection criteria, as outlined above. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a candidate for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Award candidate selections will be presented to UCAHNRA Board for approval.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the Spring Honors and Awards Excellence ceremony. Award Funds for use by the Awardee are disbursed on or before Oct 1 through the Dean’s Office.
CAHNR Alumni (UCAHNRA) Distinguished Alumni Award
UCAHNRA Distinguished Alumni Award:
Nomination Requirements
Nominee must:
- be a graduate of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources or alumni of schools/programs under the current organization of the college. All degrees received under the college are eligible;
- demonstrate excellence in the award category;
- have made significant contributions to the University of Connecticut and the programs and degrees within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Examples of contributions can include, but not limited to;
- Contributions to the educational experience of current UConn students (i.e. clinical instructors, mentors, providing internship opportunities to students, etc.)
- Supporting research endeavors for current students and/or faculty
- Active participation with program advisory boards or committees within the University
- Participation in alumni engagement opportunities such as event host, panelist and/or volunteer
- has contributed to his/her professional environment and has been an inspiration to others
- demonstrate dedication to community service efforts.
Nomination /Application Process
- Persons interested in being nominated/nominating a candidate for this award may submit a letter of nomination and letters of support.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Application packets must include the following documents in the order listed below and be submitted as an electronic document in a single pdf titled UCAHNRADistinguishedAlumni_NomineeName
Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet
- A letter from the individual making the nomination to include name, year of graduation, degree and major, and description of the significant contributions to CAHNR, abilities, characteristics and achievements that make this nominee an outstanding candidate for the award. Self-nominations accepted.
- A copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume within a 5-page limit.
- Two additional letters of support will be accepted but are not required.
Selection Process
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated excellence and significant contributions, as outlined above. Award candidate selections will be presented to UCAHNRA Board.
Awardee will be notified and recognized at the CAHNR Awards and Honors Event in the spring.
CES Grant for Innovative Programming in Extension
Purpose: provide seed funding to promote and encourage innovative approaches to outreach and engagement related to the Cooperative Extension mission of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Yearly grants of $5000 are anticipated. This initiative is supported by the Nancy H. and David E. Bull CES Innovative Programming Fund.
The goal of innovation is a positive change to make someone or something better. A distinction is made between invention - an idea made manifest, and innovation - ideas applied successfully. Innovation in Extension refers to creative new approaches that change how people do things. Innovation often involves taking risks -- the outcomes are unknown and unpredictable. However, our knowledge of how to do successful programming is also increased by failures. Therefore, it is hoped that this fund will provide the financial impetus to enact change.
Eligibility: the competition is open to all with a full or partial Extension appointment. Team submissions including non-extension personnel will be considered as long as the team leader holds an Extension appointment.
Submissions (not to exceed 3 double-spaced pages) will include the following:
- Statement of the project goal. Clearly articulate the problem that is being addressed by the project and delineate the goal of the project.
- Proposed programming. Describe the programming you will undertake to achieve the project goal.
- Explicitly identify the innovation proposed and the risks involved. Describe how trying this approach will have the potential to influence future program delivery.
- Briefly describe a project timeline. Typical projects should be completed within 24 months.
- Measurable outcomes. How will you assess and document the anticipated change as a result of your innovation?
- Travel to conferences will not be supported by this fund. Expenses should involve creating and implementing the innovation.
- Extended Application. Assuming the programming effort is successful, to whom and how will you extend the new approach to enhance the program being improved over the long term.
Evaluation criteria
The proposal showing the greatest possible potential for positive change related to the Extension mission will be selected for funding.
Deliverable
Upon completion of the project, awardees will prepare a report that describes the innovative programming. This will be showcased on the College website and will serve as a way of engaging others in employing the innovative approach.
Selection Process:
The CAHNR Excellence Committee will review all nominee materials and select a project based on evaluations of the selection criteria. Members of the Excellence Committee who nominate a project for an award or write a letter of recommendation will not be assigned to evaluate that nomination category during preliminary screening. The nominating member may not participate in discussions during the all-committee meeting and will refrain from voting for that award.
Awardee(s) will be notified and recognized at the CAHNR Awards and Honors Event in the spring.
Excellence Awards Nomination Submission Instructions
- Please review the nomination requirements and process as outlined within each award category. Nomination forms are new this year for several of the awards.
- Nominations from past years may be resubmitted with updated materials as required. It is highly recommended that nomination forms/letters be dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered
- Award selection criteria should be explicitly addressed wherever possible in supporting letters or documents.
- Note that many award descriptions include a checklist to be used as the Table of Contents for the Nomination Packet.
- Nomination packets, including all supporting documentation must be organized in the order listed and emailed as a single PDF file to cahnrexcellence@uconn.edu. Please name the PDF file in the following format: Name of Award_NomineeName
- The Excellence Committee Chair for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, Clinton Mathias, may be reached for questions at clinton.mathias@uconn.edu or cahnrexcellence@uconn.edu
The deadline for all submissions is Friday, November 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm The Chair will confirm receipt of a complete nomination packet within 2-3 business days. Earlier submissions are preferred (in case of missing pieces)
Department Representatives May Answer Questions
Representative | Department |
Nathan Fiala | Agricultural and Resource Economics |
Tamara Kaliszewski | Allied Health Sciences |
Breno Fragomeni | Animal Science |
Bill Davenport | Extension |
Cristina Colón-Semenza | Kinesiology |
James Knighton | Natural Resources and Environment |
Clinton Mathias (Chair) | Nutritional Sciences |
Mazhar Khan | Pathobiology and Veterinary Science |
Huanzhong Wang | Plant Science and Landscape Architecture |
Virginia White (Ex Officio) | Dean's Assistant |
Erin McMahon (Ex Officio) | Alumni Representative |
Past Award Receipients
CAHNR Donald M. Kinsman Award for Excellence in Teaching
2023 | Michael Puglisi |
2022 | Jessica Brandt |
2021 | Jeanne McCaffery |
2020 | Yangchao Luo |
2019 | Anita Morzillo |
2018 | Chadwick Rittenhouse |
2017 | Ashley Helton |
2016 | Amy Mobley |
2015 | Sarah Reed |
2014 | Kristin Govoni |
2013 | Jenifer Nadeau |
2012 | Rhonda Brownbill |
2011 | Richard Mancini |
2010 | Julia Kuzovkina |
2009 | Jason Vokoun |
2008 | Robert Johnston |
2007 | N/A |
2006 | Steven Rackliffe |
2005 | Morty Ortega |
2004 | Mary McGrane |
2003 | Mark Westa |
2002 | Lawrence Silbart |
2001 | Peter Miniutti |
2000 | Robert Neumann |
1999 | Nancy Rodriguez |
1998 | Linda Lee |
1997 | Karl Guillard |
1996 | Michael Darre |
1995 | John Clausen |
1994 | Cameron Faustman |
1993 | Sandra Bushmich |
1992 | Daniel Civco |
1991 | James Dinger |
1990 | Richard Clark |
CAHNR Award of Excellence in Engagement/Outreach
2023 | Robert Huggins |
2022 | Jennifer Cushman |
2021 | Mary Concklin, Juliana Barrett and Bruce Hyde |
2020 | Rosa Raudales |
2019 | Douglas Casa |
2018 | Diane Wright Hirsch |
2017 | Chet Arnold |
2016 | Jiff Martin |
2015 | John Inguagiato |
2014 | EFNEP (Linda Drake) |
2013 | Sheila Andrew |
2012 | Umekia Taylor |
2011 | Healthy Environments for Children Initiative; Mary-Margaret Gaudio and Joan Bothell |
2010 | Juliana Barrett |
2009 | Sandy Prisloe, Emily Wilson, Joel Stocker, Cary Chadwick, Kate Woodruff, Jason Parent, Michael Altshul & Robert Pomeroy |
2008 | Lorraine Los |
2007 | Jude Boucher |
2006 | Diane Hirsch |
2005 | Robert Ricard |
2004 | Thomas Morris & Richard Meinert |
2003 | Donna Ellis |
2002 | Linda Drake |
2001 | Cheryl Czuba |
2000 | NEMO |
1999 | Rafael Perez-Escamilla |
CAHNR Award of Excellence in Research
2023 | Yangchao Luo |
2022 | Elaine Lee |
2021 | Ock Chun |
2020 | Tricia Leahey |
2019 | Ji-Young Lee |
2018 | Steven Geary |
2017 | John Volin |
2016 | Stephen Swallow |
2015 | Michael Copenhaver |
2014 | Mark Brand |
2013 | Valerie Duffy |
2012 | Boris Bravo-Ureta |
2011 | Kumar Venkitanarayanan |
2010 | Susanne von Bodman |
2009 | Gerald Berkowitz |
2008 | Yi Li |
2007 | Robert Johnston |
2006 | Cindy Tian |
2005 | Ronald Cotterill |
2004 | Rafael Perez-Escamilla |
2003 | Steve Zinn |
2002 | Carol Lammi-Keefe |
2001 | Maria Luz Fernandez |
2000 | Jerry Yang |
1999 | Cameron Faustman |
UCAHNRA Distinguished Alumni Award
2023 | Brendon P. McDermott |
2022 | Susan Yeargin |
2021 | Patricia Anthony |
2020 | Taif Al-Sarraj |
2019 | Surendranath Suman |
2018 | Timothy M. Nourse |
2017 | William Cullina |
2016 | Bonnie Noel-Kegler |
2015 | Kwang-Siung (Charles) Ling |
2014 | James Hsiao |
2013 | Michelle Judge |
2012 | Joel R. Soobitsky |
2011 | Honorary Alumni: Kenneth M. Couture, And Distinguished Alumni: Frank C. Gwazduaskas |
2010 | Marion Feitelson Winkler, Donna Amaral-Phillips, Mark Ellingwood, Rodney Gilbert |
1999 | David Miller |
Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism and Inclusion Award
2023 | Cristina Colón-Semeza |
2022 | Kristen Cooksey Stowers |
Spirit of the Land Grant
2023 | Douglas Casa |
2023 | Dennis D'Amico |
2022 | Steven Zinn |
Graduate Student Research Award
2023 | Kevin Li, MS; Colleen Mistler, PhD |
2022 | Danielle Hare, PhD; Antoine Kati, MS |
2021 | Jingyi Xue |
2020 | Yoojin Lee |
2019 | Sean Ooi, MS; Janet Barclay, PhD; Gregory Panza, PhD |
2018 | Amanda Zaleski, PhD |
2017 | Cristina Macklem, Meera Nair, Yuri Hosokawa |
2016 | Pengfei Liu |
2015 | Indu Upadhyaya |
Graduate Student Teaching Award
2023 | Aviana Rosen |
2022 | Minu Thomas |
2021 | Ankit Singh |
2020 | Junichi Sakaki |
2019 | N/A |
2018 | Timothy Murray, PhD |
2017 | Lauren Lamberti |
2016 | Ana Gabriela Murillo |
2015 | Erika Gebhard-Cote |
Cooperative Extension Awards
UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award
2023 | Beth Lawrence |
2022 | Christopher Blesso |
2021 | Molika Chea |
2020 | Rhonda Brownbill |
2019 | Emma Bojinova |
2018 | Gerald Berkowitz |
2017 | Sarah Reed |
2016 | Joe Bonelli and Steven Rackliffe |
2015 | Cristian Schulthess |
2014 | Thomas Hoagland |
2013 | Hedley Freake |
2012 | Colleen Thompson |
2011 | Joan Smyth |
2010 | Maryann Morris |
2009 | N/A |
2008 | Jane Kerstetter |
2007 | Robert Milvae |
2006 | Carol Auer |
2004 | Mark Brand |
2003 | Larry Silbart |
2002 | Steve Zinn |
2001 | John Alexopoulos |
2000 | Mike Darre |
1999 | Dan Civco |
1998 | Mark Bridgen |
1997 | Tsoung-Chao Lee |
1996 | John Clausen |
1995 | Carol Lammi-Keefe |
1994 | Sandra Bushmich |
1993 | Edward Corbett |
1992 | Lindsay Allen |
1991 | Richard Clark |
1990 | Gary Griffin |
1989 | John Riesen |
1988 | Derek Allinson |
1987 | Donald Kinsman |
UCAHNRA Outstanding Staff Award
2023 | Sara Tremblay |
2023 | Nicole Gabelman |
2022 | Sharon Aborn |
2021 | Ashley Sandy |
2020 | Winnie Lunt |
2019 | Kathryn Parlin |
2018 | Nancy Wilhelm |
2017 | Katrease Sharavolli |
2016 | Stacey Stearns |
2015 | Patricia Jepson |
2014 | William Sciturro and Edan Tulman |
2013 | Nancy Abbott |
2012 | Camilla Crossgrove, Nancy Madrak |
2011 | Karen Nye, Kathy Pelletier |
2010 | Mary Margaret Cole |
2009 | N/A |
2008 | Randall Knight |
2007 | Kathleen Wells, Susan Gregoire |
2006 | Marilyn Gould, Tina Burnham |
2005 | Holly Walker, John Wheeler |
2004 | Lisa Phillips, David Schreiber |
2003 | Stephen Olsen & Jennifer Simoniello |
2002 | Paul Belanger |
Early Career Research Award
2023 | Roman Shrestha |
2022 | Abhinav Upadhyay |