Description
Several years ago, the late Dr. Norman Stearns and Irma Mann Stearns '67 established a distinguished faculty award in their name to honor a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member in recognition of outstanding scholarly or creative achievement. A $3,000 award is presented annually to at least one applicant. This funding may be used to enhance an ongoing project or for the development of a new scholarly or creative endeavor. In accordance with the family’s wishes, travel is strongly encouraged to be a part of the project activity.
Key Due Dates
- Pre-Application Notification Due: March 17, 2025
- Final Applications due to ORCS: April 11, 2025
- FDRC Review of Applications: April 12 – 16, 2025
- Final Selection by Provost: By May 5, 2025
- Applicants Notified of Funding Decision: By May 19, 2025
Current Mann Stearns awardees must utilize their funds between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025
Eligibility
Full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members are eligible to apply for the Mann Stearns Distinguished Faculty Award.
Criteria
In evaluating proposals, the Faculty Development and Research Council (FDRC) will consider:
- The applicant’s scholarly or creative achievement(s);
- The quality, merits, feasibility, of the project for which the award funds will be used;
- The inclusion of travel as a necessary component of the project; and
- Publications, audio/video samples, or other supporting material.
Pre-Application Notification
IMPORTANT CHANGE: If you intend to apply for a Mann Stearns Award, you must first submit a Pre-Approval via InfoReady by March 17, 2025.
InfoReady is a web-based workflow platform designed to streamline and simplify workflow tasks for academic institutions, including internal funding competitions. All faculty can log in to InfoReady using their Emerson SSO credentials.
After logging in, select Norman & Irma Mann Stearns Distinguished Faculty Award at the bottom of the screen and click the “Apply” button. The Pre-Approval consists of your contact information, a working title for your project, and a short summary of your project and how you will utilize the $3,000 award.
Your Dean and Chair will then review your Pre-Approval request, and indicate via InfoReady whether they support your application. If your Pre-Approval is approved by your Dean and Chair, you will be granted access to the full application form in InfoReady.
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by the Faculty Development and Research Council (FDRC), with input from department Chairs, school Deans, and Academic Affairs. The FDRC will make the final recommendations to the Provost for funding. The Provost’s selections are final.
AY26 Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2025 | Norman & Irma Mann Stearns Distinguished Faculty Award is announced. |
| March 17, 2025 | Pre-Approval Due Via InfoReady |
| March 28, 2025 | Full application form released in InfoReady. |
| April 11, 2025 | Applications due via Google Forms. |
| By April 17, 2025 | The FDRC will evaluate all proposals and make recommendations to the Provost for funding. |
| By May 9, 2025 | The Provost, in consideration of the recommendations provided by the FDRC, along with feedback from Department Chairs and School Deans, will make final selections |
| By May 19, 2025 | Recipient(s) are notified that they are receiving the award. |
| July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 | Grant Period |
| June 15, 2026 | Receipts for expenditures needing reimbursement must be submitted via Workday by this date. |
Application Instructions
After your pre-approval has been approved by your Dean and Chair,l, you will be sent the link for the Mann Stearns application form. After you submit your proposal, you will receive a copy of your responses via email, and will have until April 7, 2025 to make any changes.
Applicants may include supplemental materials (publications, PDFs, media) that support their proposals with their submissions.
In addition to the application form and supplemental materials, a two-page curriculum vita should be included with each submission.
Final Outcome Expectation
A final written report is not required, but the successful applicant is expected to meet with members of the Mann Stearns family and other members of Emerson College to discuss the final outcome and deliverables.