UTHealth Houston
President’s Scholar Award for Research Excellence
President’s Scholar Award for Teaching Excellence
President’s Scholar Award for Clinical Service Excellence
President’s Scholar for Tripartite Excellence
GUIDELINES
Eligibility and General Criteria:
- Recognize distinguished achievements by UTHealth Houston faculty, accomplished primarily at the university.
- Open to full-time faculty members with at least 10 years of service at UTHealth Houston.
- Nominees must hold a minimum rank of associate professor (typically full professor).
Selection Criteria:
The President’s Scholar Awards are unique university-wide awards designed to recognize faculty with the highest level of demonstrated contributions in teaching, research, or clinical service activity throughout their careers at UTHealth Houston. Nominees and recipients are widely recognized by peers and students for outstanding achievements in these areas. Evidence of such esteem includes, but is not limited to, the following, with special consideration given to a history of distinguished achievements:
President's Scholar Award for Excellence in Research
- Scope, quality, and significance of research
- Impact and productivity
- Extramural funding and peer-reviewed publications
- Contributions made at UTHealth Houston
- Peer recognition (local, national, and international)
President's Scholar Award for Teaching Excellence
- Extent of teaching activities
- Innovation in pedagogy and digital tools
- Mentorship and student/trainee outcomes
- Teaching-related publications and presentations
- Peer and student recognition (local, national, and international)
President's Scholar Award for Excellence in Clinical Service
- Innovation in clinical practice and programs
- Exemplary dedication to patient care
- Outreach and community service
- Interprofessional leadership
- Peer recognition (local, national, and international)
President's Scholar Tripartite Award
This award recognizes “triple threat” faculty whose contributions span research, teaching, and clinical service, with demonstrated impacts on UTHealth Houston’s tripartite mission.
- Excellence in all three domains
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation
- Leadership bridging academic and clinical environments
- Impact on institutional culture and mentorship
Nomination Process:
Unlimited nominations may be submitted. Students and staff should route their nomination materials to the dean’s office of their respective schools. All others should email completed nomination packets to the UTHealth Houston Office of Faculty Affairs and Development at [email protected] by 5 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2026.
Each nomination must include:
- A detailed statement from the nominator describing the nominee’s accomplishments.
- A statement from the nominee on the significance of their work.
- A complete curriculum vitae.
- Two recommendation letters from UTHealth Houston-affiliated individuals (e.g., students, former students, colleagues, etc.).
- Any other relevant supporting documents.
Selection Process:
An awards committee reviews nominations and recommends honorees to UTHealth Houston President Melina R. Kibbe, MD.
Nature of Award:
President’s Scholar Award recipients will receive a $10,000 prize.
In addition to the monetary award, the recipients will also receive an appropriate commemorative plaque. The president of UTHealth Houston or a representative will announce and present the awards at an annual event. The president will also bestow the continuing honorary title of “President’s Scholar” to the award recipients.