WMU President Edward Montgomery speaks at a podium during an awards event

Faculty Awards and Recipients

About Awards

WMU faculty and staff are recipients of both internal and external funding awards, as well as honors bestowed upon them for outstanding scholarship. This section of our site provides information about recipients of these awards and honors.

 

Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award

Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award

The Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award is among the highest annual honors WMU can bestow on a faculty member. The award recognizes an outstanding record of scholarship across one's career.

Learn more about the Distinguished Faculty Scholar award

Distinguished Service Award

2023-24 Recipient Mariola Pérez de la Cruz

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional service through innovative and effective programs which are academic, or related to another facet of University life, such as programs that serve students, faculty or staff in an important and unique way.

Learn more about the Distinguished Service Award

Distinguished Teaching Award

2023-24 Recipient David W. Rudge

Distinguished Teaching Award

The Distinguished Teaching Award is the highest honor given by the University to recognize faculty members for their work.

Learn more about the Distinguished Teaching Award

Emerging Scholar Award

2023-24 Recipient Shannon Locke McMorrow

Emerging Scholar Award

The Emerging Scholar Award recognizes the accomplishments of WMU faculty members who are among the rising stars in the U.S. higher education.

Learn more about the Emerging Scholar Award

Visiting Scholars and Artists Program

Visiting Scholars and Artists Program

The Visiting Scholars and Artists Program makes important contributions to the intellectual life of Western Michigan University. This program provides funds for academic units to bring distinguished scholars and artists to campus.

Learn more about the Visiting Scholars and Artists Program

Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year

2021-22 Recipient Jim Eckert

Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year

The Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award is intended for tenured faculty members who demonstrate sustained commitment to undergraduate instruction and who are nominated by their institutions for excellence in fulfillment of the selection criteria.

Learn more about the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award

Make a Difference Awards

2019-20 Recipient Dustin Skaggs with WMU President Edward Montgomery

Make a Difference Awards

Make a Difference is a campus-wide peer-to-peer program that recognizes Western Michigan University staff for their accomplishments and daily investment of energy and creativity. It features semiannual and annual awards available to Staff Compensation System, AFSCME, MSEA and POA employees who provide exceptional services to the University.

Learn more about the Make a Difference awards