The provost oversees a number of awards and honors that recognize and further the work of the university and its impact on the state of Tennessee.
Honorary Degrees
An honorary degree is the highest form of recognition offered by the University of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees authorizes the awarding of honorary degrees to recognize individuals who have benefited the institution or society through outstanding achievements or leadership.
Academic Honors Program
The Academic Honors Banquet was created in 2021 to recognize the accomplishments of the university’s faculty, staff, and students in academia and research. Students, faculty, and staff receiving these honors exemplify what it means to be a Volunteer—to have the courage to step forward in leadership and service.
Volunteer of Distinction
The Volunteer of Distinction awards celebrate academic excellence among undergraduate and graduate students. In particular, the university selects students for this honor based on extraordinary academic achievement, professional promise, teaching, or research.
SEC Faculty Achievement Award
SEC Presidents and Chancellors established the SEC Faculty Achievement Awards to recognize extraordinary faculty accomplishments at SEC universities. In particular, these awards honor faculty with outstanding teaching and research records. They also serve as role models for junior faculty and students. For nomination details, contact the Division of Faculty Affairs at vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.
Athletics Professorship
The Athletics Professor of Excellence awards recognize faculty for professional excellence and outstanding university citizenship. The University of Tennessee Athletics Department supports these awards and selects six full-time faculty each year. The university grants recipients the title for one academic year and awards them $15,000 in recognition of their accomplishment. For more information, contact the Division of Faculty Affairs at vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.