Great mentorship can make massive, lasting differences in a faculty member’s career. This year, the FCTL is recognizing the faculty members who go above and beyond to support the growth and success of their peers through the newly-created Excellence in Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Award.

Behind every successful faculty member is a network of colleagues, mentors, and peers who have helped them grow and supported them in their professional journey. Whether it’s offering guidance on professional challenges, sharing institution-specific knowledge, or connecting colleagues with new opportunities and resources, faculty mentors play an important role in building a supportive and welcoming academic community. To recognize the vital work of MSU faculty in supporting the development of their peers, the FCTL is presenting the Excellence in Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Award, a new award that celebrates those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting early career faculty and contributing to their professional growth and success.

Celebrating the Impact of Faculty Mentors

Effective mentorship involves building meaningful relationships, providing guidance through challenges, supporting professional goals, and connecting a mentee with the people and resources that they may need to succeed. This award recognizes faculty members who have made these contributions through sustained activities as a mentor to peers. By celebrating these efforts, the FCTL aims to facilitate a university culture built on connection, recognition, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Each year, the FCTL will present up to six Excellence in Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Awards, and each award carries a $1,000 stipend. Winners of the award will also be honored with a plaque at the All-Faculty Recognition Reception. When appropriate, one Distinguished Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Award may be presented annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentorship. Recipients of the Distinguished award must have provided at least 10 years of peer mentoring at Missouri State or mentored 10 or more peers at a high level of quality over a shorter period. This award includes a $2,000 stipend and recognition at the All-Faculty Recognition Reception.

Nominate an Outstanding Faculty Mentor–Or Nominate Yourself

Faculty members must have at least three years of mentoring experience at Missouri State University to be eligible for nomination for the Excellence in Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Award. Mentors may nominate themselves or be nominated by a mentee, peer, or academic unit leader. To be considered for the award, nominations must include the following items:

• A nomination letter describing the nominee’s mentorship contributions in helping to create connections and support the professional, teaching, and/or scholarly development of their peers. This letter should be no longer than one page.
• One to two letters of support, each no longer than one page.

Nominations for this award will be reviewed by the FCTL Faculty Advisory Council, and will be reviewed based on two criteria: the nominee’s contributions to the development of their peers and evidence of sustained mentoring across multiple faculty members and years. Nominations are due by February 1, 2027, and must be submitted through the submission portal in the FCTL Academic Community in Brightspace. 

Faculty mentorship helps create an environment where colleagues can learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and grow throughout their careers. The Excellence in Faculty-to-Faculty Mentoring Award offers an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose commitment to supporting others helps make that environment possible. Help us celebrate the faculty mentors making a difference on our campus by submitting a nomination now!

Questions?

To learn more about the award or find more detailed instructions on the nomination process, visit the award homepage on the FCTL website.

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