Karen J. Colley Award for Mentoring Excellence
Intro
Intro
Provost Karen J. Colley’s career at UIC stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, inclusive mentorship. A steadfast champion of both student success and faculty advancement, Provost Colley has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the quality, accessibility, and impact of support systems that sustain academic careers. Her leadership in advancing graduate student professional development, stewarding the Graduate College for a decade, and guiding UIC’s participation in the CIRTL national network reflects her enduring belief that mentorship is foundational, not only to student achievement, but to faculty flourishing across the career lifecycle.
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The Karen J. Colley Award for Mentoring Excellence will recognize one (1) faculty member in 2026-2027, associate and full professors across both tenure-track and non–tenure-track roles, whose mentoring of junior colleagues exemplifies the highest standards of care, rigor, equity, and professionalism.
Application Process
Nomination
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- Nominations may be submitted by mentees, deans, or department heads.
- Nominations may also be submitted by peers with UEO endorsement.
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Mentee endorsements are strongly encouraged, as they offer unique insight into the lived experience and impact of the nominee’s mentorship. If mentees initiate nomination, letters of support must be provided by the department head (vice versa). Self-nominations will not be allowed.
Eligibility
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Associate and full professors across all tracks are eligible for nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
The award selection will focus on:
- Impact of Mentee’s growth
- Demonstrated practices that cultivate belonging, elevate diverse perspectives, and create supportive environments
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- A sustained and intentional commitment to mentoring, reflected in enduring relationships, consistent engagement, and a broad or deep impact across individuals or communities.
- Contributions to strengthening institutional mentoring culture, including (but not limited to) enhancing departmental or college-level mentoring practices, resources, structures, or norms.
Submission
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Application must be submitted through (coming soon)
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Incomplete nominations will not be accepted.
Incomplete nominations submitted on the deadline will not be accepted.
Award
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One nominee will be selected this academic year.
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The award will consist of a one-time payment of $2,500 and will be celebrated at the 2027-2028 Annual Faculty Awards Ceremony.