Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award
The Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award is the highest distinction given to a faculty member by the University. The award is given annually to one (1) faculty member who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to scholarly-creative activity, teaching, and service, bringing honor and recognition to the University. The award is given by the University of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and includes a $20,000 cash prize and a commemorative crystal.
Criteria
- Faculty eligible for the award must be active and continuously employed by the University for at least five (5) years.
- Chairs of Excellence and Endowed Chairs are not eligible.
- The award can only be given once to an individual (see link to List of Recipients below for previous winners).
Nominations
- Nominations may be submitted by faculty or administrators who are familiar with the candidate's credentials. Faculty cannot self-nominate.
- Nominations must be submitted by email to provost@memphis.edu with "Sparks Eminent Faculty Award" in the subject line.
- Nominations remain active for three years (3) unless withdrawn by the nominee.
Selection
A University committee composed of faculty members will screen nominations and identify three (3) finalists. The recipient will then be determined from among these finalists by a selection committee chosen by the Office of the Provost. The award will be presented to the recipient at the Spring Faculty Awards luncheon.