Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 CESHS Award Ceremony.
The CESHS Award of Excellence recognizes the outstanding contributions and achievements of faculty (both full-time and adjunct) and staff whose primary appointment is within the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences (CESHS). Nominations will be solicited each spring, and a selection committee composed of CESHS faculty and staff will review submissions. Up to five individuals or small groups (2 to 3 individuals) will be honored for demonstrating excellence in at least one of our five award categories. Nominators are encouraged to highlight the nominee’s impact within a single category or across multiple areas. To view descriptions of the five award categories, click the drop down menus below under "CESHS Award of Excellence Categories." Faculty, staff, and students can submit nominations. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Nominees will be notified of which area(s) they have been nominated in and encouraged to attend the award ceremony. During the event, all nominees will be recognized, and award recipients will be announced. The nominator or a member of the leadership team will read an excerpt from the nomination during the presentation.
Faculty and staff who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, supervision, and/or mentoring; show strong collaboration within the college; are able to challenge students to excel.
Faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude, fostering a supportive college environment.
Faculty and staff who go above and beyond assigned responsibilities; show deep commitment to the growth of the department, college, and/or university.
Faculty and staff who engage in outreach or scholarly work that creates opportunities for students, positively impacts the community, advances disciplinary knowledge, or fosters innovation.
Faculty and staff whose contributions not captured in the categories above significantly advance the college’s and/or university’s mission and vision.
The highest honor the Winthrop Community can bestow upon a faculty member is the title Distinguished Professor of the Year. The selection indicates exceptional skill in teaching, significant research or creative effort, high standing among professional colleagues, and general service to the university. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.
This award recognizes excellence among assistant professors. Selection indicates a reputation for inspired teaching, research or creative excellence, and dedication to the welfare of students. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.
The James Pinckney Kinard and Lee Wicker Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching, established in honor of former president James Pinckney Kinard and his wife, Lee Wicker Kinard, in 1984 by their family, is based on dedication to teaching, reputation on campus for teaching, and reputation among students. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.
The Robert and Norma Thompson Endowment was established during the university's first capital campaign. The fund provides for reassigned time for two classes per year for a faculty member "to work on projects that strengthen the academic, intellectual, and co-curricular life of the university."
This award, established in 2008, recognizes outstanding teaching at the graduate level and significant contributions to graduate education at Winthrop. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.
Presented by the Division of Student Life at the Faculty, Staff, and Retirees Awards Ceremony in the spring in recognition of a faculty member that has significantly contributed to the quality of Student Life and the Winthrop University community of learners.
The Adjunct Faculty Award highlights a faculty member who has demonstrated excellent teaching skills, works well with colleagues in the CESHS, and challenges students to do their best work. She/he is someone who provides plenty of academic learning time in the classroom, effective assignments, and works well with students outside the classroom. An adjunct faculty is a person teaching at least three hours per year, but less than ten hours per term.
As the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences extends its vision to include direct emphasis on collaboration with other colleges, the community, and schools/organizations, this award distinguishes a faculty member for extensive efforts in outreach. Results of such efforts can include, but are not limited to, increased opportunities for WU students to engage in authentic learning experiences, positive impact on community members, opportunities for faculty engagement in the workplace, and more.
This award recognizes a full-time faculty member for unusually significant and meritorious achievement in teaching and the scholarship of teaching which enhances the effectiveness of instruction.
The Research and Scholarship Award distinguishes a faculty member who has engaged in original research and/or writing characterized by a significant contribution to the field. State, regional, or national peers know the awardee as a leader in his/her field of inquiry. Through dissemination of his /her original work, the public recognizes the awardee as an expert in the field of applicable research.
The Spirit and Collaboration Award recognizes a member of the college who consistently demonstrates enthusiasm and a positive attitude, thereby creating an environment more conducive to the success of the college.
The Stewardship and Service Award recognizes contributions that go above and beyond the scope of faculty responsibilities. Identified as someone who cares deeply about the well-being and continued growth of the department, college, and university, this faculty member emulates devotion and forward thinking. This faculty member spends significant time on activities regardless of compensation or self-satisfaction.
The Student Engagement and Development Award signifies a considerable and sustained effort to actively engage students in the learning process. This faculty member builds positive relationships with students, extending educational opportunities beyond the classroom. As a skilled educator, the faculty member utilizes diverse and innovative teaching strategies and provides opportunities for students to develop as responsible, engaged citizens.
The Support Staff Excellence in Service Award recognizes a support staff member for exceptional service to the unit, college, and university. This person facilitates the efficient and effective operation of their unit.