The nomination period for the 2025–2026 UMass Amherst Spotlight Scholar faculty award program is now open through October 28. Nominate a faculty member by completing this form.

OVERVIEW

The Spotlight Scholar program recognizes UMass Amherst faculty members who have demonstrated academic quality and leadership. The program is co-supported by University Relations and Research and Engagement.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARD?

All full-time tenure- and non-tenure system UMass Amherst faculty members are eligible to be nominated. Scholars are faculty members who have demonstrated academic quality and leadership in research or creative activity. Accomplishments may include:

• External grants, honors, or awards.
• Externally recognized innovations or prestigious awards based on their research or creative activity.
• Particularly impactful publication in books or peer reviewed journal, or community based research or creative activity.
• Elections to or appointment to high profile external organizations based on their research or creative activity.
• We seek to highlight a diverse representation of the UMass Amherst faculty.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Anyone can nominate a scholar. Self-nominations must include a statement of support from the nominee's Department Chair or a senior UMass colleague. If multiple people wish to nominate the same scholar, they should combine their statements of support into ONE submission in Kuali Build, with a note indicating the names of individuals supporting the nomination.

PROCESS

A call for nomination will be issued once a year during fall semester.

RECOGNITION

Spotlight Scholars receive a cash stipend to be used for research, scholarship or creative activity and are featured across multiple media channels, including the UMass website.

Questions? Contact Lauren Rubenstein.