Excellence in Service

Purpose:

The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Excellence in Service Award was established to identify faculty members who have exhibited distinguished community service. The intent is to recognize and encourage a broad spectrum of community service including balanced activity in several areas to exceptional service in a single area. Volunteer service to any external entity(ies) will be considered. Service involving monetary compensation will not be considered. The Pott College is committed to excellence in service and provides incentives for faculty to pursue activities that enhance the breadth and quality of service activities.

Eligibility:

The Pott College Excellence in Service Award is open to any full-time faculty member with at least three (3) years of service at USI. An award winner will not be eligible for an additional award for at least 5 years.

Nomination and Selection Procedure:

No self-nominations or anonymous nominations will be accepted. Nominations may be submitted by any faculty member, alumnus, administrator, or student not currently enrolled in the faculty member's classes. Members of the Pott College Awards Committee are not eligible to submit nominations. All nominations should be submitted on the official nomination form (https://www.usi.edu/science/faculty/pott-college-grant-and-award-opportunities/excellence-in-service) and include a one-page statement describing why the nominee should be considered. Nominations must be digitally submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Once nominated, the Pott College Assistant Dean will contact nominees to request additional information. The additional information, to be provided by the nominee will consist of:

• Curriculum vitae, to include only materials that pertain directly to service activities (2 pages maximum; no less than 10-point font; no less than 0.5-inch margins).
• Personal statement on service by the nominee (1 page maximum; no less than 10-point font; no less than 0.5-inch margins).

Award recipients will be selected by the Pott College Awards Committee consisting of one elected representative from each department. The Pott College Assistant Dean will serve as a non-voting Chair of the committee. The award recipient will be recognized at a Pott College Event held each spring.

Award:

The recipient of the Excellence in Service Award will receive a $1,000 professional development grant. The use of this fund will be restricted to service related workshop(s), conferences, meetings, resources, materials, etc. All intended uses of award funds must be approved by the Assistant Dean before any expenditure is made.

Have Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Ken Walsh, Assistant Dean of the Pott College at walsh@usi.edu or 812-461-5253.