The Ralph Stair Prize for Innovative Education is Open for Nominations

THE RALPH STAIR PRIZE IN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION IS OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

Overview: The Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education will be awarded biennially to an individual or collaborative team at FSU who has developed innovative education approaches that demonstrate the potential of having great impact nationally and internationally.  The 2027 prize includes a monetary award from the endowment for the Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education. 

Eligibility: All FSU faculty, instructors, lecturers, adjuncts, and others involved in teaching and the development of educational materials may be nominated. Special consideration may be given to faculty nominees from the College of Business, in keeping with the donor's wishes. Nominations may come from the nominee, an FSU colleague, an FSU student, or the nominee's department chair or college dean. Nominees not awarded may elect to reapply with updated materials. The awardee cannot win consecutive terms and must wait one award cycle before being eligible for another nomination. 

Important Notes: "Innovative educational approaches" include but are not limited to the following: textbooks, Internet sites, distance learning approaches, online delivery of course  materials and content, instructor materials, student materials, uses of technology to enhance learning and  evaluation of learning. The Ralph Stair Prize stresses innovation.  Nominees must show evidence of creating innovative approaches, materials, or technology, not simply using existing approaches, materials, or technology effectively. 

NOMINATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: Each nominee must submit the following materials in electronic form by February 24, 2027 to Peggy Wright-Cleveland.  No incomplete nominations will be considered. 

1.) Letter of nomination explaining the educational innovation. This letter should cite evidence of the success of the practice and explain its impact or potential impact on the discipline broadly. This letter should not exceed two pages. 

2.) One-page curriculum vitae for nominee. 

3.) Nominee's personal statement describing the key contributions of the innovation.  This statement should give a clear picture of the nominee's work with students, particularly undergraduates, and the nominee's innovative approach to teaching and learning.  This should be no longer than three pages.   

4.) Three letters of support from current or former students and/or colleagues. 

Nomination Review Process: After nomination packets are received by the Office of Faculty Recognition, nominees/nominators will receive an email confirming the receipt. A peer review team will review the nominations and make recommendations to the Provost. The Provost will select the award winner who will be recognized at the University Faculty Awards ceremony.