The School of Fine Arts Annual Awards recognize and honor outstanding members of the School’s faculty and staff; alumni who have excelled in their respective disciplines; individuals who have distinguished themselves in the Arts; and individuals who have demonstrated a strong support for the Arts.

The School of Fine Arts Annual Awards are listed and described below. In the event there are no nominations, or a nomination submitted for a specific award is deemed unworthy of recognition by the selection committee, no award will be granted. Nominations may be made by School of Fine Arts faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Lifetime Achievement Award (up to two awards per year)
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award should be a member or former member of the School of Fine Arts faculty or staff who has demonstrated excellence or made significant contributions in their area/field of the arts.

Special Achievement Award (more than one award may be given)
The recipient of the Special Achievement Award honors an individual who has implemented a significant project or initiated an innovative program during the past year. The achievement being recognized should have had a significant impact of the School of Fine Arts, the community, or the Arts profession, and have taken place within the past year. The Awards Committee reserves the right to present more than one award.

Outstanding Faculty Award (one award per year)
The recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award should be a member of the School of Fine Arts faculty.  This award recognizes the recipients’ commitment to innovative and exceptional pedagogy in their respective discipline, their record of dedicated service, and outstanding student advising and/or mentoring.

Outstanding Research and Creative Practice Award (one award per year)
The recipient of the Outstanding Research and Creative Practice Award should be a member of the School of Fine Arts faculty who has demonstrated an outstanding record of scholarship and/or creative practice and productivity in their field.

Outstanding Staff Award (up to two awards per year)
The recipient of the Outstanding Staff Award should be a staff member serving in any unit of the School of Fine Arts. This award honors the accomplishments of a staff member who has an outstanding record of service to the School and demonstrates a strong skill base, integrity, commitment, and high standards. The award may be given either in recognition of many years of service or in recognition of a special contribution. The nominee may be a full or part-time employee of the University and may or may not be a union member.

Outstanding Adjunct Award (up to two awards per year)
The recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Award should be an adjunct member of the School of Fine Arts faculty or teaching staff who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and an overall dedication to their discipline.

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (more than one award may be given)
The recipient of the Outstanding TA Award should be a graduate student who has made meritorious contributions to the School of Fine Arts by demonstrating excellence in significant instructional capacities, such as classroom teaching, laboratory or studio instruction, leading recitation or discussion sections, or assisting faculty members with high-enrollment courses.

Arts Recognition Award (one award per year)
The recipient of the Arts Recognition Award should be a Connecticut resident who has demonstrated significant support and/or contributions to the arts.

Outstanding Public Engagement Award (one award per year)
The recipient of the Outstanding Public Engagement Award should be a School of Fine Arts faculty or staff member. This award honors the recipient’s commitment to outstanding service and encouragement of community engagement in the Arts in their field of expertise.

Outstanding Alumni Award (up to four awards per year)
The recipient(s) of the Alumni Award should be a member of the School of Fine Arts alumni who has demonstrated success in the arts.

Outstanding Volunteer Award (more than one award may be given)
The recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award should be a volunteer serving in any unit of the School of Fine Arts. This award honors the accomplishments of a volunteer who has an outstanding record of service to the School of Fine Arts and the University of Connecticut and demonstrates a strong commitment to the Arts. The award may be given either in recognition of many years of service or in recognition of a special contribution.

Arts Philanthropy Award (one award per year)This award honors an individual, corporation, or business that has provided outstanding support and/or resources to the Arts at the University of Connecticut.

DEI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award (one award per year)

The recipient of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award should be an individual or group of faculty and/or staff serving in any unit of the School of Fine Arts. This is awarded to individuals or groups that have made a significant, positive impact on the SFA community as demonstrated by their work to combat bias, oppression, discrimination, and other matters related to social justice. The individual or a group advocates for equitable and inclusive practices and demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the promotion of awareness, knowledge, and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The individual or a group is committed to enhancing the success and experiences of students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds. Examples of achievements to be recognized might include recruiting and retaining diverse students, projects that create a more inclusive workplace by organizing workshops or guest speakers, or developing new courses or degree programs that enhance DEI. The nominee may be a full or part-time employee of the University and may or may not be a union member.