Each year, the Faculty Senate, in conjunction with the Faculty Excellence Committee, selects Faculty Excellence Award recipients in the areas of teaching, research and service. These awards honor faculty for their accomplishments and contributions to our university and community.

Overview of Awards

The Kerry Bruce Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Kerry Bruce Clark, a renowned member of the Florida Tech biological sciences faculty from 1971 to 1999, was instrumental in establishing the university's marine biology program. As a full professor, he was recognized for his groundbreaking research on mollusks, marine ecology, psychological ecology, and biodiversity, earning him recognition as a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1996. Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Clark was an inspiring educator. This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate innovative teaching techniques, curriculum development, and effective student and peer training. In recognition of his dedication to teaching excellence, the Faculty Senate named its Excellence Award for Teaching in honor of Kerry Bruce Clark.

The Charles E. Helmstetter Award for Excellence in Research

Molecular biologist Charles Helmstetter joined Florida Tech in 1990 following a distinguished career at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He continued to teach and conduct research at Florida Tech until his retirement around 2015. Renowned for his research accomplishments, Helmstetter was also an exceptional teacher, mentor, and colleague. He served as chairman of the Faculty Senate Administrative Policies Committee, among other roles. More than just a researcher, he embodied the ideals of a Florida Tech faculty member, earning recognition for his contributions to the university. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, the Faculty Senate named its Excellence Award for Research in honor of Charles E. Helmstetter.

The Andrew W. Revay Jr. Award for Excellence in Service

Andrew Revay, a pivotal figure in Florida Tech's early years, joined the university in 1969 as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Rising through the administrative ranks, he served as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering before becoming Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1986. He held this position until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he also served as Dean of the Graduate School and CEO of F.I.T. Aviation. Known for his emphasis on both teaching and research, Revay advocated for a people-focused approach to higher education. His commitment to Florida Tech is evident not only in his own career but also in his family's legacy. His son, Ken Revay, has served as a long-time Trustee. In recognition of his significant contributions, the Faculty Senate named its Excellence Award for Service in honor of Andrew W. Revay Jr.

Eligibility and Nomination

Each Senator may nominate full-time faculty members from his/her constituency to the Faculty Excellence Awards Committee. Senators are unrestricted in the selection process and numbers/categories of nominees. Faculty members may recommend a colleague for consideration, or any faculty member may unilaterally self-nominate.

Nomination dossiers and recommendation letters should be submitted electronically as a single .pdf file to the Faculty Excellence Committee Chair by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025.

By applying you are agreeing to allow excerpts of your materials to be shared with University Marketing to celebrate your accomplishment.

Nomination Dossier Format

A. Cover Sheet

The cover sheet must include:

• Nomination category (teaching, research or service)
• Nominee name, academic rank, unit and college
• Nominee contact information (phone and email)
• Nominee years of service at Florida Tech
• Nominee years of experience not including Florida Tech

B. Specific Accomplishments

A brief summary (three pages maximum) of specific accomplishments from the last five calendar years that qualify the nominee for a Faculty Excellence Award. Preference will be given to candidates who have not received the award in that category in the last five years, in order to recognize as many faculty as possible. Accomplishments over the past five years should be summarized and organized by the criteria list for the award category sought:

1. Teaching

1. Teaching awards
2. Courses taught at Florida Tech (list)
3. Large-enrollment or service courses taught at Florida Tech (list)
4. Curriculum/course development activities
5. Innovative classroom/online teaching techniques utilized
6. Thesis/dissertation/design project advising
7. Membership and activities in professional educational organizations
8. Workshops/training sessions conducted for students and/or peers

2. Research

1. Research awards
2. Articles published in refereed journals
3. Other publications including texts, books, chapters, proceedings
4. Ongoing research
5. Grants received
6. Presentations at professional meetings
7. Other unique contributions (Patents, non-refereed journal publications, etc.)

3. Service

1. General university service
2. University committees
3. Academic unit/school/college service
4. Student adviser activities
5. Professional organization service/offices
6. Workshops/training sessions organized and conducted
7. Editorial activities for professional journals/organizations
8. Community service

C. A brief curriculum vitae (maximum three pages)

D. Letters of recommendation/support (maximum of three)