Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education

Dr. Stan Rives earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Illinois State University and was a member of the Illinois State University faculty and served as an administrator from 1958 until 1980. The Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award was established in honor of Stan’s longtime commitment to an undergraduate program of the highest quality and for his contributions to Illinois State University as Dean of Undergraduate Instruction. The award recognizes outstanding teaching or any significant contribution to the undergraduate experience, with special attention given to the first-year experience.

Eligibility

To be eligible to compete for the Award, the applicant must be a member of the University community (minimum of 3 years) and hold a faculty, academic professional, or civil service position at Illinois State University.
2009-2010 Award Eligibility and Guidelines (pdf)

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate education by enhancing the quality of the undergraduate experience, with special attention given to the first-year experience, through a focus on each student as an individual with unique educational needs and potential.
   
2. Embodies the individualized attention and commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere for undergraduate students inherent in Educating Illinois, the University’s strategic plan.
   
3. Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in ways readily acknowledged by peers.

Nomination Materials and Procedures

1. Candidates for this award must be nominated by an Illinois State University employee.
   Download Nomination Form (editable pdf)
   
2. In addition to the nomination form, nomination materials must include a letter of support from the nominee’s immediate supervisor. (Note: If the nominator and supervisor is the same person, the nomination form will suffice.)
   
3. Nomination materials should also include examples of work and/or letters of support that demonstrate how the nominee meets the selection criteria.
   
4. Submit nomination form and materials to the Danielle Lindsey, Office of the Provost, Campus Box 4000, or Hovey Hall 401P by Monday, November 9, 2009.

Recognition of Recipient

In addition to the $500 cash award, the recipient will be presented with a commemorative plaque during the Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

Award Recipients

2009 - Dr. Ron Gifford, Department of History
2008 - Joint recipients: Dr. Stephen K. Hunt and Cheri J. Simonds, School of Communication
2007 - Dr. Kyle E. Ciani, Department of History