CAHNR Excellence Awards

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:
    • Summary 
      • Description of the candidate's career and its highlights on teaching, research, and extension.  
    • Evidence of Research Innovation
      • The candidate should demonstrate how the research program is successful by publications, grants, patents, among others
    • 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.
    • 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.

 

  • 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:

  1. Must be a UConn faculty.
  2. 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
    1. overview of the research program over the past ten years;
    2. philosophy and vision regarding research;
    3. application of research philosophy; and
    4. research innovations over the past ten years.
  • The nominee’s curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit to include:
    1. the names, level, and date graduated (or anticipated) for all graduate students;
    2. type and amount of grants or contracts received in the past 10 years (descending order)
    3. peer reviewed publications in the past 10 years, and
    4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Must be engaged in and show evidence of an emerging outstanding and creative research program.
  3. 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.

Nomination Form

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:

  1. Overview of the research program over their time at UConn.
  2. Philosophy and vision regarding research.
  3. Application of research philosophy and
  4. Research innovations over their time at UConn.

Curriculum vitae within a 5-page limit to include at least the following:

  1. The names, level, and date graduated (or anticipated) for all graduate students;
  2. Type and amount of grants or contracts received at UConn (descending order)
  3. Peer reviewed publications while at UConn, and
  4. 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:

  1. Must be a UConn faculty or staff with no formal extension appointment;
  2. 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

  1. Nomination Form
  2. 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.
  3. A non-technical statement from the candidate (3 pages maximum) including
    1. overview of the engagement/outreach program over the past five years;
    2. philosophy and vision regarding engagement;
    3. application of engagement philosophy; and
    4. program innovations over the past five years;
    5. 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).
  1. 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:

  1. Must be a UConn faculty or staff in the Department of Extension or a formal Extension appointment in another CAHNR department; 
  2. Must have at least five years of Extension experience at UConn.
  3. Nominations must be submitted by the established deadline.

Nomination/Application Process:

  1. Interested individuals may be nominated by a current CAHNR colleague or may complete a self-nomination. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the Excellence in Extension award. 
  4. 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:
    • 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:

  1. Outstanding contributions to the teaching program offered by the university, college, and department;
  2. Ability to motivate and stimulate student learning through their teaching and advising activities;
  3. Development and use of new course materials, technological innovations, and pedagogical approaches that measurably improve student learning outcomes;
  4. Partnerships with other faculty, staff, and/or professionals that enhance the value of their teaching and/or advising program;
  5. 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;
  6. 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: 

  1. All current UConn staff, faculty or students in CAHNR. Three awards will be given: student, faculty and staff.
  1. 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:

  1. 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;
  2. Must show evidence of outstanding scholarly/creative productivity as a graduate student or professional student;
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. Nomination Form. It is recommended that nomination forms are dated in the academic year for which the nominee is being considered.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. An individual staff member with a minimum of three years of service within the College
  2. Nominees must provide exceptional support and assistance to faculty, students or other staff in the College
  3. Nominees must work well with students, faculty, co-workers, stakeholders and the public
  4. Nominees must strive for professional improvement

Nomination/Application Process

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Each department may nominate multiple candidates; separate nomination packets must be submitted for each indvidual.
  4. Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years

Required Documents for the Nomination packet:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Initiative
  2. Commitment above and beyond the expected duties of the position
  3. Work ethic and dedication to Department and College
  4.  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

  1. 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.
  2. Must show evidence of outstanding teaching and advising contributions to the university, college, and department.

Nomination/Application Process

  1. Persons interested in being nominated for this award should make their interest known to faculty or staff who can complete the nomination form.
  2. 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.
  3. Each department may nominate multiple candidates for the UCAHNRA Excellence in Teaching Award
  4. Previous awardees may be nominated again after 5 years

Please use the following checklist as a Table of Contents in the Nomination Packet

  1. Nomination Form
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. A curriculum vitae of no more than 5 pages.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

    1. Ability to motivate and stimulate student learning through their teaching and advising activities;
    2. Development and use of new course materials, technological innovations, and pedagogical approaches that measurably improve student learning outcomes;
    3. Focus on priority issues tied to the University, College or Department strategic initiatives, Academic Plans or the input of stakeholders;
    4. Partnerships with other faculty, staff, and/or professionals that enhance the value of their teaching and/or advising program.
    5. 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:

    1. 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;
    2. demonstrate excellence in the award category;
    3. 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;
      1. Contributions to the educational experience of current UConn students (i.e. clinical instructors, mentors, providing internship opportunities to students, etc.)
      2. Supporting research endeavors for current students and/or faculty
      3. Active participation with program advisory boards or committees within the University
      4. Participation in alumni engagement opportunities such as event host, panelist and/or volunteer
    4. has contributed to his/her professional environment and has been an inspiration to others
    5. demonstrate dedication to community service efforts.

    Nomination /Application Process

    1. Persons interested in being nominated/nominating a candidate for this award may submit a letter of nomination and letters of support.
    2. Self-nominations are accepted.
    3. 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

    1. 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.
    2. A copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume within a 5-page limit.
    3. 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:

    1. Statement of the project goal. Clearly articulate the problem that is being addressed by the project and delineate the goal of the project.
    2. Proposed programming. Describe the programming you will undertake to achieve the project goal.
    3. Explicitly identify the innovation proposed and the risks involved. Describe how trying this approach will have the potential to influence future program delivery.
    4. Briefly describe a project timeline. Typical projects should be completed within 24 months.
    5. Measurable outcomes. How will you assess and document the anticipated change as a result of your innovation?
    6. Travel to conferences will not be supported by this fund. Expenses should involve creating and implementing the innovation.
    7. 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)

     

    Download the complete list of awards and descriptions here

    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

    awards

    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