Spotlight Scholar Nominations

The nomination period for the 2023–2024 UMass Amherst Spotlight Scholar faculty award program is now closed.

OVERVIEW

The Spotlight Scholar program recognizes UMass Amherst faculty members who have demonstrated academic quality and leadership. The program is co-supported by University Relations and Research and Engagement.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARD?

All full-time tenure- and non-tenure system UMass Amherst faculty members are eligible to be nominated. Scholars are faculty members who have demonstrated academic quality and leadership in research or creative activity. Accomplishments may include:

• External grants, honors, or awards.
• Externally recognized innovations or prestigious awards based on their research or creative activity. 
• Particularly impactful publication in books or peer reviewed journal, or community based research or creative activity.
• Elections to or appointment to high profile external organizations based on their research or creative activity. 
• We seek to highlight a diverse representation of the UMass Amherst faculty.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Anyone can nominate a scholar.
Self-nominations must include a statement of support from the nominee's Department Chair or a senior UMass colleague.

PROCESS

A call for nomination will be issued once a year at the beginning of fall semester.

RECOGNITION

Spotlight Scholars receive a cash stipend to be used for research, scholarship or creative activity and are featured across multiple media channels, including the UMass website. Scholars, their dean, and department head receive a commemorative poster.

Questions? Contact Lauren Rubenstein.