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. Students are selected to be honored as Volunteers of Distinction in recognition of their extraordinary academic achievement, professional promise, teaching (graduate students), or research.
SEC Faculty Achievement Award
The SEC Faculty Achievement Awards were established by SEC Presidents and Chancellors to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of faculty at SEC universities. These awards honor those with outstanding records in both teaching and research and who serve as role models for junior faculty and students. For nomination information, please contact the Division of Faculty Affairs at vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.
Athletics Professorship
The Athletics Professor of Excellence awards, supported by the University of Tennessee Athletics Department, are given to six full-time faculty in recognition of professional excellence and outstanding university citizenship. Recipients will hold the title for one academic year and receive $15,000 in recognition of their accomplishment. For nomination information, please contact the Division of Faculty Affairs at vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.Previous Winners