Nominations open for 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award in Undergraduate Research Mentoring
Nominations are now open for the 2026 University Distinguished Faculty Award for Mentoring of Undergraduate Students in Research. This award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional guidance to undergraduate researchers and plays a significant role in their academic and professional development.
"This award highlights the incredible impact our faculty has in shaping undergraduate students' academic journeys through research," said Marci McMahon, assistant vice provost for faculty affairs. "It celebrates those who go beyond the classroom to mentor, inspire and guide students in meaningful scholarly work that prepares them for future success."
"Recognizing the importance of faculty mentors is one of the 11 Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research identified by the Council on Undergraduate Research," said Susan Rensing, associate director of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. "This award is one way that K-State demonstrates an institutional commitment to valuing exemplary mentorship."
The award recipient will receive an engraved plaque and a $4,000 prize. The award will be presented at the spring campuswide Undergraduate Research Symposium on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Faculty may be nominated by K-State faculty, students, staff or administrators. The nomination form and additional details are available online. Questions may be directed to the Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research team at SDUR@k-state.edu.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 15, 2026.
Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research is housed in the Staley School of Leadership, which also includes undergraduate and graduate academic programs in leadership studies, leadership and service co-curricular programs, Applied Learning Experiences and the University Honors Program. The school develops bold, curious and connected learners to address the world's most complex challenges. Learn more at k-state.edu/leadership.
— Submitted by Staley School of Leadership and Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research