Outstanding Graduate Adviser Award

Source: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/funding/awards/adviser Parent: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/funding/awards

Professional & Student Awards

Nominations Open:\ October 27, 2025

Nominations Close:\ February 13, 2026 - Deadline extended!

Questions

If you have questions, email \ Brianna Smallman.

The Outstanding Graduate Adviser Award recognizes the exemplary service of a graduate adviser. Graduate advisers provide an invaluable service to the university and its community of students, faculty and staff, and the award is one of the few opportunities available to recognize these individuals.

One award is presented annually. Nominees are not required to have served a minimum number of years, but the selection committee may consider length of term in choosing the award recipient. In general, nominations should be restricted to graduate advisers currently serving. All prizes will be announced in spring.

Eligibility

The award committee will evaluate candidates based on the following criteria when determining the recipient of the award:

• The nominee’s role in recruiting and retaining high quality graduate students
• The nominee’s availability and accessibility to graduate students, coupled with a demonstrated sensitivity to their needs
• The nominee’s track record in both preventing and resolving problems within the graduate program
• The nominee’s contribution to the professional and academic development of graduate students
• The nominee’s effectiveness in administering the graduate program
• The nominee’s active participation in governance related to graduate programs, such as serving on university committees concerning graduate education or the Graduate Assembly, and their ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and other administrators on issues pertaining to graduate education

Nominations

The Graduate School's Online Awards System

Nominations must be submitted using the Graduate School’s online awards system.

Nominations must be initiated by the academic dean, department chair, program director, department graduate coordinator or program graduate school award administrator.

To successfully submit the online application, gather the following components:

1. Nomination Letter: A letter from the academic dean, department chair, or program director providing a brief explanation of why this individual is being nominated
2. Letters of Support: Up to three letters of support, with at least one from a current or former student. These letters should emphasize the nominee’s contributions specifically in the capacity of a graduate adviser, rather than focusing on other administrative or faculty roles
3. Dates of Service: Clearly provide the dates of service during which the nominee served as a graduate adviser
4. Optional: Graduate Program Materials: If applicable, include relevant graduate program materials that support the nomination. If submitted, describe the nominee's role in their production or development (e.g., conceptualization, design, writing, editing, etc.)

Ensure all required materials are ready for submission through the online application portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the nomination and supporting letters be?

There’s no required length. Please be sure that all requested information is thoroughly included in both the nomination and supporting documentation.

What are the nomination categories for the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation and Master’s Thesis or Report awards?

There are three main areas:

Area A — Humanities and Fine Arts\ Includes programs focused on human culture, expression, and historical understanding.\ \ Examples:

• Humanities: English / Literature, History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Religious Studies, Classics, Cultural Studies
• Fine Arts: Studio Art, Art History, Music (Performance, Composition, Theory), Theatre and Dance, Film and Media Studies, Creative Writing

Area B — Social Sciences, Business, and Education\ Covers disciplines that study society, human behavior, and organizational systems.\ \ Examples:

• Social Sciences: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Public Affairs / Public Policy
• Business: MBA Programs, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Information Systems
• Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, Higher Education Administration, Counseling and Student Services

Area C — Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Biological and Life Sciences\ Includes programs focused on scientific inquiry, quantitative analysis, and technological innovation.\ \ Examples:

• Mathematics: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Science
• Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical, Aerospace Engineering
• Physical Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences (Geology, Geophysics), Astronomy, Materials Science
• Biological and Life Sciences: Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Ecology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences

Can I submit an incomplete dissertation or thesis for the Outstanding Dissertation & Master’s Thesis/Report award?

No. Only completed dissertations and master’s theses/reports will be considered. Incomplete submissions are not eligible but may be submitted the following year once finalized.

Who should nomination letters be addressed to?

All nomination letters should be addressed to the Review Committee.

What is the submission deadline?

All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM CST on the day of the stated deadline on the awards page.

How many nominations can each department submit for the Outstanding Student Employee award?

Each department may submit one nomination per category: one for a Teaching Assistant (TA) and one for an Assistant Instructor (AI).

2025 Award Recipient

Mary Bock

The Outstanding Graduate Adviser Award recipient in 2025 is Mary Bock, an associate professor in Journalism and Media in the Moody College of Communication.