Nomination Letters for Faculty Honorifics

Tell a story, don’t repeat a resume.

• Frame the nominee’s journey with a compelling arc: challenge, innovation, impact.
• Organize around themes (e.g., mentorship, leadership, innovation, research impact), not chronology.
• Ask yourself: What is the central story that you want to tell about this scholar?

Example: “Dr. Buckeye’s groundbreaking work on AI ethics reshaped industry standards and led to policy adoption by three major tech firms.”

Mirror the language and priorities of the award.

• Review the award’s website and eligibility requirements.
• Ensure both the nominee and the nominator meet any stated qualifications.
• Use keywords from the award description to frame your case.

Example: If the award values “transformative teaching,” show how pedagogy changed student outcomes or institutional practices.

Impact is the heartbeat of honorifics.

• Describe the broader impact of the nominee's work, including how it has influenced their field, advanced knowledge, or contributed to the institution's mission.
• Highlight influence on students, peers, institutions, and broader communities.
• Include future potential: What doors has their work opened?

Example: “Buckeye’s curriculum design has been adopted by five universities, transforming how data science is taught nationwide.”

Distinction matters.

• Go beyond productivity, what makes this nominee exceptional?
• Is their work interdisciplinary, community-engaged, or pioneering in a niche field?

Example: “Unlike most scholars in their field, Dr. Buckeye integrates indigenous knowledge systems into climate modeling, offering a radically inclusive framework.”

Numbers support, not substitute, your case.

• Cite metrics like citation indices, journal rankings, or prestigious grants.
• Avoid listing publications, focus instead on why they matter.

Example: “Dr. Buckeye’s article in Nature has been cited over 500 times and spurred a new line of inquiry in quantum computing.”

Assume the committee is smart, but not specialized.

• Many individuals on the selection committee are likely to be in adjacent disciplines, but not the exact same fields as you or the nominee. Avoid jargon and translate complex ideas into accessible language.
• Define key terms or theories if central to your case.

Tip: Imagine explaining the nominee’s work to a colleague in a different department.

Honorifics often recognize the person behind the achievements.

• Highlight traits like integrity, resilience, generosity, and mentorship.
• Share how the nominee’s character has shaped their relationships, collaborations, or institutional culture.
• Use stories that reveal their values in action.

Examples: “Dr. Buckeye’s unwavering commitment to equity has made them a trusted mentor for first-generation scholars and a catalyst for inclusive departmental reform.” 

“Buckeye’s inclusive leadership style transformed departmental culture and increased retention of junior faculty.”

Show, don’t just tell.

• Replace general praise with concrete stories or outcomes.
• Use student testimonials, institutional changes, or community impact.

Example: “Under Dr. Buckeye’s mentorship, five of their PhD students have secured tenure-track positions at R1 institutions.”

Showcase excellence in multiple dimensions of academic life.

• Include teaching, service, leadership, and community engagement.
• Emphasize how the nominee balances and integrates these roles.
• Tailor emphasis based on the award’s priorities.

Checklist:

• Research excellence
• Teaching innovation
• Mentorship
• Institutional leadership
• Community impact

Think beyond the university.

• How has the nominee shaped their discipline, policy, or public discourse?
• Include leadership roles, invited talks, or media presence.

Example: “Buckeye’s op-ed in The Atlantic sparked national debate on algorithmic bias and was cited in Senate hearings.”

Supplemental letters can reinforce and expand your case.

• Ask colleagues or collaborators to write support letters.
• These should highlight different dimensions of the nominee’s impact.

Tip: Mention these letters in your nomination to show broad endorsement.

End strong.

• Summarize why the nominee is a standout candidate.
• Express enthusiasm and conviction in your endorsement.
• Proofread carefully; typos and unclear phrasing can undermine credibility.

Tip: Keep the letter focused and readable; unless stated otherwise, aim for 1–2 pages.