The Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award is the University's highest teaching award. The late Elizabeth P. Ritchie, Oregon State University Library staff member, 1920 to 1944, bequeathed to the OSU Foundation $130,000 for student scholarships, faculty awards, and library material. The recipient will receive from the OSU Foundation a plaque/certificate and $2,500, and the recipient's department will receive a grant of $500 from the OSU Foundation. Use of these cash awards by the recipient and the department is not restricted except that it is to promote faculty development and the improvement of undergraduate instruction. A plaque listing the recipients and their departments has been provided by the Foundation and is located in the Valley Library.

List of Previous Recipients

Eligibility

  • The Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award encourages and recognizes outstanding contributions to undergraduate education. This is a campus-wide recognition, open to all teaching faculty.

Award Criteria

Selection criteria include:

  1. outstanding effectiveness as a teacher and adviser for undergraduate students;
  2. scholarly achievement and research, particularly that which is used to enrich undergraduate instruction;
  3. publications or other creative activities;
  4. professional leadership, honors, and awards

Nomination Process and Submission

Following the instructions completely will ensure consideration of the nomination.

The nominator shall submit the Cover Sheet and the complete submission packet in one PDF via the Qualtrics Submission Form. Do not begin entering information on the Qualtrics form unless you are ready to submit the nomination – the form CANNOT be saved and finished at a later time. The submission packet will include evidence that the nominee meets the criteria, as well as (1) nomination letter*; (2) three letters of support*; (3) a clear summary of teaching evaluations for the past three years; (4) the nominee’s vita; and (5) position description indicating breakdown of FTE allocation.

Required letters: Each of the below letters shall not exceed two single-sided pages using at least 12 pitch and 1" margins. Signatures on the letters must be included.

* Letters of Support: One letter shall be from a current or emeritus faculty member. The second shall be from a current or former student. The third may be from a faculty member, student, alumni, or other individual who can comment on the nominee’s qualifications.

   * Nomination Letter: The Nominator shall submit a Nomination Letter.

The award criteria must be addressed in the letters. Do not submit separate documentation related to the critera.

When organizing the PDF, please ensure that the document is organized as listed on the submission form.

Additional information submitted with the nomination will not be considered; please include only requested information and refer to the guidelines when organizing submission packets.

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed and selected by the Faculty Recognition and Awards Committee and a member of the Advancement of Teaching Committee. Committee recommendations will be made on the basis of the information submitted; the committee does not solicit additional information. Nominees for this award may also be considered for nomination for the CASE U.S. Professor of the Year Award, which is presented by the Carnegie Foundation.

Nomination packets are due by Noon on April 19, 2024.