Awards & Recognition

Every year, Arts & Sciences recognizes outstanding faculty and staff with awards for contributions to teaching, research, and service. 


Distinguished Faculty Awards

Faculty Leadership Award

The Faculty Leadership Award in Arts & Sciences is awarded to an outstanding faculty member in recognition of their exceptional service to the university. The award was established to recognize Arts & Sciences' long history of outstanding faculty leaders who have shaped the university, from developing educational programs and policy to serving on committees and in administration. Nominations may be submitted via the webform linked below.

Excellence in Teaching Award

The Excellence in Teaching Award in Arts & Sciences was established to honor and publicly recognize an outstanding faculty member in Arts & Sciences for his or her exceptional teaching. Arts & Sciences has a long history of distinguished educators and innovative teaching that enriches the lives of undergraduate and graduate students, and the establishment of this award is a tribute to this tradition. Nominations may be submitted via the webform linked below.

David Hadas Teaching Award

The David Hadas Teaching Award in Arts & Sciences was established in his name in 2008 by Pamela W. Hadas to honor and publicly recognize an outstanding tenured faculty member in Arts & Sciences who demonstrates commitment and excellence in teaching first-year undergraduate students. The recipient will be selected from the pool of faculty members nominated for teaching awards who meet the criteria for this award.

First-Year Programs Teaching Award

The First-Year Programs Teaching Award in Arts & Sciences recognizes pedagogical innovation in teaching first-year students through First-Year Program course offerings (including Ampersand Programs, First-Year Seminars, and First-Year Opportunity courses). The award was established to recognize the value of bringing first-year students into the university community through programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dean’s Award for Diversity Advancement

The Dean's Award for Diversity Advancement in Arts & Sciences will be given annually and recognizes contributions from Arts & Sciences faculty who advance diversity in research, teaching, or service. This award highlights transformative research, teaching, or creative practice that significantly advances and promotes diversity on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, neurological ability, socioeconomic status, age, nationality, or sexual identity. Contributions might include research that has driven a change in the nominee’s field of study, teaching or mentoring that significantly benefits underrepresented groups, or service that improves campus culture in ways that advance diversity and inclusion. Self-nominations will be accepted, and all nominations may be submitted via the webform linked below. 

Dean's Early-Career Research Award

The Dean's Early-Career Research Award recognizes outstanding achievements in research and creative activity by scholars who have recently been awarded tenure. The award winner was selected in consultation with the Arts & Sciences Promotion and Tenure Committee after having reviewed the tenure cases in the current year.

Dean's Mid-Career Research Award 

The Dean’s Mid-Career Research Award recognizes outstanding achievements in research and creative activity by scholars who have recently been promoted to the rank of professor. The award winner was selected in consultation with the Arts & Sciences Promotion and Tenure Committee after having reviewed the promotion cases in the current year.

Dean's Strategic Partnership Award

The Dean's Strategic Partnership Award recognizes a university leader outside Arts & Sciences who has been an invaluable partner and colleague to our school.

Outstanding Staff Awards

The Arts & Sciences Outstanding Staff Awards are presented annually to non-teaching personnel who make significant contributions to the effectiveness of the teaching, advising, counseling, and research efforts in Arts & Sciences. There are two staff award categories:

Staff Leadership Award
This award honors a staff member who demonstrates exceptional initiative and outstanding execution in efforts that help advance the mission of Arts & Sciences. Awardees are particularly adept at understanding the needs of the school and their unit; working with faculty, staff, and leadership to advance efforts that meet these needs; supporting diversity efforts; and fostering a culture of teamwork and inspiring excellence in others. This award is open to any full-time A&S staff member with at least two consecutive years of service in Arts & Sciences. Nominations may be submitted via the webform linked below.

Staff Service Award
This award recognizes a staff member who has been a key player in operations that are critical to their unit and to Arts & Sciences. Awardees’ performance has consistently exceeded expectations, improved operational effectiveness, and established themselves as a reliable and trusted colleague. This award is open to any full-time A&S staff member with at least two consecutive years of service in Arts & Sciences. Nominations may be submitted via the webform linked below.

Help us recognize outstanding faculty and staff

Nominations are open through June 2, 2023.

Nomination form

Other Awards and Honors

Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

Each year, this award recognizes educators for their passion for teaching, their impact on student learning, and their knowledge and creativity. Awards are given during an awards ceremony with a reception each November. Washington University honorees are selected for innovation and leadership in undergraduate teaching. The honorees are nominated by the deans of their respective schools and by The Teaching Center. Read more. 

Washington University Teaching Awards

Awarded annually to an outstanding faculty member from one of the seven Danforth Campus schools. Criteria for selection are: Outstanding achievement in research and scholarship; recognized prominence within the community of scholars; service and dedication to the betterment of the university; and respected accomplishments in teaching. Read more.