Thomas Jefferson Award

History

The Thomas Jefferson Award, presented each year at the commencement ceremony, provides the Emory University community the opportunity to honor a member of the faculty or staff for significant service through personal activities, influence and leadership. As specified by the original donor, the Robert Earl McConnell Foundation, the personal and professional qualities of the recipient should resemble those Thomas Jefferson considered essential to the intellectual, social and political advancement of society.

Selection Criteria

The recipient has traditionally been selected for service performed at the University over many years. The award recognizes personal and professional integrity as well as distinguished service in several of the following areas: (1) teaching, (2) research and scholarship, (3) non-academic accomplishments with students, (4) university advancement and development in relation to the entire university, or an area, school or division, (5) community or educational service on the local, state, national or international level.

Nomination Process

A letter is sent to the entire University inviting nominations. Any University employee may make a nomination by sending  an original letter of nomination and the nominee's CV or resume to Dr. Thomas Jenkins, Executive Director, Academic Initiatives. The deadline for 2012-2013 nominations is 5PM on February 22, 2013.

The selection committee, comprised of the previous five award recipients and chaired by the most recent honoree, reviews all nominations. The recipient is presented the award at the University Commencement ceremony.

Nominations are retained in active status for one year. The Office of the Provost coordinates the award process. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Jenkins, Executive Director, Academic Initiatives, Office of the Provost.

Recipients of the Thomas Jefferson Award