Faculty Affairs

Academic Affairs Division

Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Awards

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL FACULTY AND STAFF

On behalf of the Board of Regents, the University System of Georgia (USG) Office of Academic Affairs invites nominations for the Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Awards. These system-wide awards recognize individual faculty and staff for an outstanding commitment to teaching and student success.

One award will be given in each of the following sectors:

  • Research and Comprehensive Universities
  • State Universities
  • State Colleges

Award Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on compelling evidence of excellence in the following areas:

  1. Commitment to Teaching and Learning
    Demonstrates sustained and intentional work to advance the quality and practice of teaching and learning. May include activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, or global and multicultural understanding.
     
  2. Effective Teaching Strategies
    Uses evidence-based, student-centered instructional approaches to enhance learning. Examples may include technology integration, active learning, learning communities, portfolios, or formative assessment practices.
     
  3. Student Engagement and Support
    Demonstrates a strong commitment to student success through meaningful interaction outside of the classroom. This may include advising, mentoring, outreach, or recruitment activities.
     
  4. Impact Beyond the Classroom
    Contributes to the broader teaching and learning community through mentorship, faculty development, collaboration, or dissemination of teaching innovations. Evidence may include leadership in campus or system initiatives, professional development activities, or scholarship of teaching and learning.

Eligibility and Nomination Procedures

To be eligible, nominees must be current full-time teaching faculty or academic staff at a USG institution. Each institution may submit one nomination for an individual award. Nominations should be coordinated by academic leadership and must be endorsed by the institution’s chief academic officer.

Required Documentation

Nomination portfolios should not exceed 15 pages, including any supporting materials (1” margins, minimum 12-point font for each section below). To ensure a focused presentation, nominees should select the most compelling and relevant evidence. Each portfolio submission must include the following components:

  1. Table of Contents
    A list of all portfolio components.
    (Note: Does not count toward the 15-page limit.)
     
  2. Nomination Letter (1–2 pages)
    A letter from the institution’s chief academic officer endorsing the nominee and describing their impact on student learning and teaching excellence.
    (Note: Does not count toward the 15-page limit.)
     
  3. Condensed Curriculum Vitae (2–3 pages)
    A focused CV highlighting teaching-related experience, leadership, and contributions over the past 3–5 years.
     
  4. Reflective Teaching Statement (1–2 pages)
    A summary of the nominee’s teaching philosophy, instructional goals, and strategies for enhancing student learning and engagement.
     
  5. Teaching Artifacts and Innovations (1–2 pages)
    A summary of 2–3 innovative teaching practices or tools that have been particularly effective in supporting student success. Examples may include instructional activities, technology use, or creative assignments.
     
  6. Evidence of Teaching Excellence (4+ pages)
    This section is the heart of the portfolio. It should include a curated selection of materials that demonstrate strong performance in the award criteria. A narrative should be woven throughout to explain the context and significance of each item. Examples may include:
    • Student success data (e.g., performance, retention, progression)
    • Course syllabi or assignment samples
    • Assessment strategies beyond traditional tests and grades
    • Peer observations or evaluations
    • Mentoring and advising activities
    • Screenshots, handouts, or other documentation of in-class strategies
    • Student feedback summaries (qualitative and/or quantitative)
       
  7. Letters of Support
    • One letter from a recent or former student that speaks to the nominee’s impact on learning and development.
    • One letter from the nominee’s department chair or program administrator describing the nominee’s teaching and service, and why they are particularly effective in advancing student success.

Submission Guidelines

  • All materials must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted via the Regents Portfolio Submission System.
  • Portfolios must follow formatting requirements (1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font) and may not exceed 15 pages.
  • External links will not be reviewed. Only the contents of the portfolio will be considered by reviewers.

Award Committee

A special committee composed of faculty and administrators from across the USG who are experienced in teaching and learning practices will review the nomination portfolios and recommend finalists for each award.