Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award
Recognizing Faculty for Exemplary Educational Contributions
The Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award, initiated in 2001, provides an opportunity for Baylor faculty who meet designated standards of quality, quantity, and breadth to receive recognition for their sustained (at least four-five years), exemplary educational contributions to the College.
Award Categories
Faculty can receive a Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award in four categories: Teaching/Evaluation, Development of Enduring Educational Materials, Educational Leadership, and Educational Research. To receive an award, faculty submit a mini-portfolio presenting evidence of their educational contributions specific to an award category. This mini-portfolio is reviewed by a panel of faculty, similar to an NIH grant-review study section. Those meeting the criteria will receive the award. A new process for Full Professors, with different submission requirements, has been developed.
Review Process
Given the height of the standard and the rigor of the review process, recipients serve as role models of distinguished educators for learners at all levels in the institution. Because the criterion-based review process is designed to focus on applicants' educational contributions and achievements, the chair of the Review Panel will seek input from department chairs or their designees about another important attribute expected of role models, that of consistently behaving in a professional manner toward learners, patients, staff and peers (i.e., professionalism). Once an application is received, the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education will send a request to the chair of the applicants' department to sign a statement to this effect. (Download the request form letter and statement.)
Promotions
According to David Tweardy, M.D., faculty chair of Baylor’s Appointments and Promotions Committee, receiving the award will be viewed positively in promotions decisions. "Given the central role of peer review in the process of selecting recipients of the Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award, receipt of the award will inform the promotions process in a positive manner. It will provide a third party, 'disinterested' evaluation of educational skills for the education portfolio similar to what peer review by NIH and Merit review study sections provide in the area of research.
Academy of Distinguished Educators Membership
Each time a faculty member receives a Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award, the recipient will be given an attractive plaque. More importantly, the recipient will be given a five-year membership into the Academy of Distinguished Educators. Privileges of membership in this academy will include:
- Participation in annual academy events (e.g., celebration dinner)
- Invitation to serve as mentor to junior faculty and other leadership opportunities.
- Direct communication from the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education about important educational issues and events.
- Funding opportunity for an Academy of Distinguished Educators competitive educational mini-grant program. Funds (maximum $5,000 per grant) can be used for equipment, travel, and personnel in support of educational projects.