L. R. Hesler Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service

In 1982, the L.R. Hesler Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service was established to honor Dr. L. R. Hesler, a man known for his outstanding teaching abilities and his service to the University community. Dr. Hesler was an internationally respected scientist and for many years was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Recipients of the Hesler Award have been outstanding professors whose genuine interest in students and contributions to UTK has exemplified the traits for which Dr. Hesler was best known. A recipient is selected in early spring and announced at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet. Last year’s total award was $12,000.

Selection Process and Criteria

The recipient shall be a full-time employee of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville at the time of the selection, or for the full academic year immediately prior to selection.  Selection shall be based upon the following criteria:

• honorable, congenial, and untainted character
• respected as an excellent teacher by both students and peers
• high degree of professional dedication and leadership
• genuine interest in the progress of his/her students
• ability to inspire and motivate students, both in and out of the classroom
• pursuit of excellence in research and study in his/her chosen field
• active involvement in worthy research, writings, or campus civic activities

If you would like to nominate a faculty member from your area, please send your nominating statement and the nominee's vita to Sarah Gardial, Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs, 529 Andy Holt Tower or via e-mail at sgardial@utk.edu. 

Applications must be received by the first Monday in February. To be eligible, a person must hold the rank of professor or associate professor, and his/her record of service to students and to the campus community as a whole must be well documented.