Excellence in Undergraduate Education
Dr. Stan Rives earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Illinois State University, was a member of the Illinois State University faculty, and served as an administrator from 1958 until 1980. The Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award was established in honor of Stan's longtime commitment to an undergraduate program of the highest quality and for his contributions to Illinois State University as Dean of Undergraduate Instruction.
The award recognizes outstanding teaching or any significant contribution to the undergraduate experience, with special attention given to the first-year experience.
Eligibility
To be eligible to compete for the Award, the applicant must be a member of the University community (minimum of 3 years) and hold a faculty, academic professional, or civil service position at Illinois State University.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate education by enhancing the quality of the undergraduate experience, with special attention given to the first-year experience, through a focus on each student as an individual with unique educational needs and potential.
- Embodies the individualized attention and commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere for undergraduate students inherent in Educating Illinois, the University's strategic plan.
- Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in ways readily acknowledged by peers.
Nomination Materials and Procedures
- Candidates for this award must be nominated by an Illinois State University employee.
- In addition to the nomination form, nomination materials must include a letter of support from the nominee's immediate supervisor. (Note: If the nominator and supervisor is the same person, the nomination form will suffice.)
- Nomination materials should also include examples of work and/or letters of support that demonstrate how the nominee meets the selection criteria.
- Submit nomination form and materials to the Jean Ann Dargatz, Office of the Provost (jadarga@IllinoisState.edu). Nominations are due in late October/early November, please refer to the current award eligibility and guidelines for the specific date.
Recognition of Recipient
In addition to the $3,000 cash award, the recipient will receive a commemorative plaque.
Award Recipients
2023 - Alejandro Enriquez, Languages, Literatures and Cultures
2022 - Ryan Gray, Sociology and Anthropology
2021 - Brenton Kane, College of Business
2020 - Shelly Clevenger, Criminal Justice Sciences
2019 - Amelia Noël-Elkins, University College
2018 - Mary Jo Fabich, University College
2017 - John F. Hooker, Communication
2016 - David Anderson, Philosophy
2015 - William "Bill" Shields, Geography-Geology
2014 - Wendi Whitman, University College
2013 - Sally Parry, College of Arts and Sciences
2012 - Lori Adams, Theatre
2011 - Carlye Kalianov, University College
2010 - Robert McLaughlin, English
2009 - Ron Gifford, History
2008 - Joint recipients: Stephen K. Hunt and Cheri J. Simonds, Communication
2007 - Kyle E. Ciani, History