The annual Thomas W. Briggs award gives all University of Memphis students the opportunity to recognize professors who have exhibited outstanding teaching and commitment to undergraduate education. Two awards will be presented to faculty members at Faculty Convocation in April.
Unlike other teachers’ awards, in which a limited number of students are chosen and given the chance to nominate a professor, voting for the Briggs award is open to all undergraduate students, along with faculty and alumni.
“I’m definitely voting,” said Aalam Sharififard, a sophomore biology major. “I know exactly who I will nominate. I like the fact that I can show my appreciation to those certain few professors who have made a difference and deserve praise.”
The award was established by the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation to honor and encourage those professors who have displayed a passion and commitment to teaching. The awards, in the amount of $5,000 each, are presented annually. Previous winners of the Briggs award include Dr. Julia Heath, Dr. Thomas Mason, Dr. Robert Marchini and Candace Justice.
“It’s so great that the Briggs award puts so much power in the hands of the students,” said Justice, one of last year’s recipients, “It’s gratifying to be singled out by your fellow faculty members, but it seems to me even more special when you are nominated by your own students.”
Interested students can obtain nomination forms by calling the Office of Alumni and Development at extension 2586. The nomination deadline is 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, and students must fill out the application form and write a letter discussing reasons for nominating the faculty member. Students must address the overall teaching merits of the nominee (i.e., excitement about teaching, use of innovative teaching methods, organization and course preparation), the level of interaction with undergraduate students (i.e., advising, mentoring and availability) and the overall impact on The University’s undergraduate program.
The selection committee will be comprised of recent University of Memphis alumni, faculty and a representative of the Briggs foundation.
