The College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) annual awards recognize outstanding faculty, staff, students and friends of the college whose achievements advance our mission and strengthen our community.

These awards celebrate excellence in teaching, advising, research, outreach, engagement, leadership and service. We encourage members of the CEHD community to nominate individuals whose dedication, innovation and impact exemplify the very best of the college.

Recipients will be honored at the Excellence Awards & Celebration Ceremony on April 8, 2027, in Monsanto Auditorium at the Bond Life Sciences Center.

Nomination Deadline: January 15

Submission

Submit nomination materials as a single PDF attachment via email to cehd.dean@missouri.edu.
Use the following naming format: Year_AwardName_LastFirstName.pdf
- Example: 2027_CollegeTeachingEarlyCareer_TigerTruman.pdf
In the email subject line, indicate the specific award for which the nomination is being submitted.
- Example: Outstanding College Teaching – Faculty Early Career Award Nomination
Formatting requirements
- 12-point font
- 1-inch margins
- Single-spaced paragraphs

Questions? Contact the Dean’s Office at 573-882-5124 or cehd.dean@missouri.edu.

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Faculty Awards

Outstanding College Teaching – Faculty

Recognizes College of Education & Human Development faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching and advance student learning through outstanding instruction, advising, mentoring, research supervision, outreach and service.

Eligibility

Six or more years of college-level teaching experience.
Demonstrates effective and innovative instructional and assessment practices.
Shows strong student engagement and contributes significantly to student success and development.
Exhibits a sustained commitment to supporting students’ academic and professional growth.
Maintains a student-centered approach to teaching and learning.
Has received satisfactory performance evaluations in all categories for the past two years.
May not be a previous recipient of the Kemper Award or other campus-wide teaching awards.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Two faculty support letters addressing teaching, advising, and mentoring.
Teaching philosophy statement (maximum two pages).
Teaching evaluation summary for the past three years.
Student comments from the past three years.
Current curriculum vitae.

Outstanding College Teaching – Faculty Early Career

Recognizes early-career College of Education & Human Development faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching and advance student learning through outstanding instruction, advising, mentoring, research supervision, outreach and service.

Eligibility

Fewer than six years of college-level teaching experience.
Demonstrates effective and innovative instructional and assessment practices.
Shows strong student engagement and contributes significantly to student success and development.
Exhibits a sustained commitment to supporting students’ academic and professional growth.
Maintains a student-centered approach to teaching and learning.
Has received satisfactory performance evaluations in all categories for the past two years.
May not be a previous recipient of the Kemper Award or other campus-wide teaching awards.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Two faculty support letters addressing teaching, advising, and mentoring.
Teaching philosophy statement (maximum two pages).
Teaching evaluation summary for the past three years.
Student comments from the past three years.
Current curriculum vitae.

Outstanding College Teaching – Graduate Advisor/Mentor

Recognizes a CEHD faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advising and mentoring graduate students through responsiveness, support for student well-being and dedication to students’ academic and career success. Nominations are reviewed by the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) and must be submitted by current CEHD graduate students.

Eligibility

CEHD instructor, assistant professor, associate professor or professor actively serving as a graduate advisor or mentor during the award year.
Eligible to receive the award once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter from a current CEHD graduate student (maximum two pages) describing the nominee’s impact as a graduate advisor and mentor, including their support of students’ academic, professional and personal development.
Up to two letters of support from current CEHD graduate students; one letter may be from a recent graduate within the past academic year (maximum two pages each).

Outstanding Research & Scholarship – Faculty Early Career

Recognizes faculty whose research or scholarly work conducted within the past five years has made a significant impact on practice, policy, theory or future research.

Eligibility

Full-time faculty with fewer than 10 years of research experience following completion of their terminal degree whose responsibilities include research.
Must be affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Nomination letter describing the impact of the nominee’s research and scholarship.
Two letters of support, including one from outside the University of Missouri.
Current curriculum vitae, including publications and external funding.

Outstanding Research & Scholarship – Faculty

Recognizes faculty whose research or scholarly work conducted within the past five years has made a significant impact on practice, policy, theory or future research.

Eligibility

Full-time faculty with 11 or more years of research experience following completion of their terminal degree whose responsibilities include research.
Must be affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Nomination letter describing the impact of the nominee’s research and scholarship.
Two letters of support, including one from outside the University of Missouri.
Current curriculum vitae, including publications and external funding.

Outstanding Community Building & Engagement – Faculty

Recognizes a CEHD faculty member who strengthens the college community by fostering engagement, respect, meaningful relationships and support for others. Through teaching, mentorship, outreach, service and leadership, recipients create opportunities for connection and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment within the College of Education & Human Development.

Eligibility

Affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May receive the award only once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

One nomination letter describing the nominee’s contributions to community building, engagement, meaningful relationships and support within CEHD.
One letter of support describing the nominee’s impact on fostering connection, engagement and support within CEHD.

Staff Awards

Outstanding Professional Staff

Recognizes and celebrates a professional staff member whose leadership, service, innovation and dedication significantly contribute to the College’s mission and success. Recipients demonstrate professionalism, collaboration and service excellence while supporting process, program or operational improvements and contributing to the growth and success of colleagues, students and the broader CEHD community.

Eligibility

Full-time, benefit-eligible CEHD staff member.
Minimum of one year of employment within CEHD.
May not be a current Professional Staff Council member.
Eligible to receive the award once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.
Must be nominated by another individual; self-nominations are not accepted.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter describing the nominee’s leadership, service, innovation and contributions to CEHD.
Up to five additional letters of support or testimonials from students, faculty, staff or other stakeholders.

Distinguished Service

Recognizes a staff member whose exceptional dedication, service and contributions often take place behind the scenes yet play a vital role in the success of the College of Education & Human Development. Recipients consistently demonstrate professionalism, reliability, teamwork and a willingness to go above and beyond to support students, colleagues and college initiatives. Through their leadership, positive attitude and unwavering commitment to excellence, they make a lasting impact on the CEHD community without seeking recognition or the spotlight.

Eligibility

Full-time staff member in good standing.
Demonstrates CEHD values and a commitment to service.
Makes a positive impact on students, colleagues or college operations.
Consistently exceeds expectations in their role.
Contributes to a supportive and welcoming college culture.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter describing the nominee’s behind-the-scenes contributions, dedication and impact on CEHD.
Up to five additional letters of support or testimonials from students, faculty, staff or other stakeholders.

Student Success Champion

Recognizes a staff member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to supporting student success and enhancing the student experience. Through dedicated service, mentorship, problem-solving and advocacy, recipients help students navigate challenges, access resources and achieve their academic and personal goals. Their efforts create a supportive environment where students feel connected, empowered and equipped to thrive throughout their Mizzou experience.

Eligibility

Full-time staff member in good standing.
Demonstrates CEHD values and a commitment to service.
Makes a positive impact on students, colleagues or college operations.
Consistently exceeds expectations in their role.
Serves as a model of professionalism, collaboration and integrity.
Contributes to a supportive and welcoming college culture.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter describing the nominee’s impact on student success and the student experience.
Up to five additional letters of support or testimonials from students, faculty, staff or other stakeholders.

Outstanding Community Building & Engagement – Staff

Recognizes a CEHD staff member who strengthens the college community by fostering engagement, respect, meaningful relationships and support for others. Through collaboration, service, mentorship and everyday interactions, recipients help create opportunities for connection and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment within the College of Education & Human Development.

Eligibility

Affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May receive the award only once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

One nomination letter describing the nominee’s contributions to community building, engagement, meaningful relationships and support within CEHD.
One letter of support describing the nominee’s impact on fostering connection, engagement and support within CEHD.

Student Awards

Outstanding Student Leadership – Undergraduate Student

Recognizes a senior CEHD undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to their department, college, university or field. Through involvement, initiative and a commitment to serving others, recipients make meaningful contributions to the CEHD community and positively impact those around them throughout their undergraduate experience.

Eligibility

Current undergraduate student through the upcoming spring semester.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter describing the nominee’s leadership and service contributions.
A leadership and service statement (maximum two pages).

Outstanding Student Leadership – Graduate Student

Recognizes a CEHD graduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism and service through contributions to the college, university, profession or broader community. Through scholarship, mentorship, involvement and leadership, recipients make a meaningful impact while advancing the goals and mission of CEHD.

Eligibility

Current graduate student through the upcoming spring semester.
Departments/schools may nominate up to two students.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A nomination letter describing the nominee’s leadership and service contributions.
One letter of support.
A leadership and service statement (maximum one page).
A list of leadership and service accomplishments while in CEHD.

Outstanding College Teaching – Graduate Student

Recognizes a CEHD graduate student who demonstrates excellence in teaching, makes significant contributions to student learning and shows a strong commitment to student success through roles such as instructor, teaching assistant or online instructor.

Eligibility

Current CEHD graduate student through the upcoming spring semester.
Departments/schools may nominate up to two students.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A department/school nomination letter describing the nominee’s teaching effectiveness and contributions to student learning.
One student support letter.
A one-page teaching philosophy statement.
A list of teaching-related experiences and accomplishments.

Outstanding Research & Scholarship – Graduate Student

Recognizes a CEHD graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional research and scholarly achievement through research, publications, presentations and other scholarly contributions completed while enrolled as a CEHD graduate student.

Eligibility

Current CEHD graduate student through the upcoming spring semester.
Departments/schools may nominate up to two students.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

A department/school nomination letter describing the nominee’s research and scholarly contributions.
One faculty support letter addressing the quality and impact of the student’s scholarly work.
A list of research and scholarly accomplishments (e.g., publications and presentations).
Up to two examples of scholarly work.

Outstanding Community Building & Engagement – Undergraduate Student

Recognizes a CEHD undergraduate student who strengthens the college community by fostering engagement, respect, meaningful relationships and support for others. Through leadership, involvement, service and collaboration, recipients help create opportunities for connection and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment within the College of Education & Human Development.

Eligibility

Affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May receive the award only once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

One nomination letter describing the nominee’s contributions to community building, engagement, meaningful relationships and support within CEHD.
One letter of support describing the nominee’s impact on fostering connection, engagement and support within CEHD.

Outstanding Community Building & Engagement – Graduate Student

Recognizes a CEHD graduate student who strengthens the college community by fostering engagement, respect, meaningful relationships and support for others. Through scholarship, leadership, mentorship, service and collaboration, recipients help create opportunities for connection and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment within the College of Education & Human Development.

Eligibility

Affiliated with CEHD at the time of nomination and award presentation.
May receive the award only once every five years.
May be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

One nomination letter describing the nominee’s contributions to community building, engagement, meaningful relationships and support within CEHD.
One letter of support describing the nominee’s impact on fostering connection, engagement and support within CEHD.

Engagement & Outreach Awards

Outstanding Engagement & Outreach – Internal

Recognizes CEHD faculty, staff or units whose engagement and outreach efforts improve learning and quality of life for children, families, and communities.

Eligibility

Recipients may receive the award in a category only once every five years.
Individuals may be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Nomination letter describing the nominee’s engagement and outreach impact.
One to two letters of support.
Supporting evidence of impact, such as program outcomes, partnerships, testimonials, reports, publications, or other relevant documentation.

Outstanding Engagement & Outreach – External

Recognizes individuals, programs, organizations or companies outside of the college, Mizzou and the UM System whose engagement and outreach efforts improve learning and quality of life for children, families, and communities.

Eligibility

Recipients may receive the award in a category only once every five years.
Individuals may be nominated for multiple CEHD awards but may receive only one award per year.

Nomination Materials

Submit a single PDF containing:

Nomination letter describing the nominee’s engagement and outreach impact.
One to two letters of support.
Supporting evidence of impact, such as program outcomes, partnerships, testimonials, reports, publications, or other relevant documentation.