Description
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.
AY2026 Calendar
February 23, 2026
Norman & Irma Mann Stearns Distinguished Faculty Award is announced.
March 11, 2026
Pre-Application Notification is due via InfoReady
March 20, 2026
Full application form released in InfoReady for applicants that have received Chair and Dean approval on their Pre-Application Notifications.
April 13, 2026
Final Applications due.
By April 22, 2026
The Faculty Development and Research Council (FDRC) will evaluate all proposals and make recommendations to the Provost for funding.
By May 4, 2026
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 18, 2026
Applicants notified of funding decisions.
July 2026 - June 2027
Grant Period
June 15, 2027
Receipts for expenditures needing reimbursement must be submitted via Workday by this date.
After June 2027
Recipients will be expected to deliver one or more talks on their work, at venues and events mutually agreed upon by the recipient and the Provost.
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 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
Applicants must first submit a Pre-Application Notification via InfoReady by the deadline noted above.
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-Application Notification consists of the applicant’s contact information, a working title for the project, a short summary of the project, and how applicants will utilize the $3,000 award.
The applicant’s Dean and Chair will then review the Pre-Application Notification request and indicate whether they support your application. Applicants whose Pre-Approval is approved by their Dean and Chair will be granted access to the full application form in InfoReady.
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by the FDRC, with input from department Chairs, school Deans, and the Office of the Provost. The FDRC will make the final recommendations to the Provost for funding. The Provost’s selections are final.
Application Instructions
After the applicant’s pre-approval has been approved by their Dean and Chair, they will be sent the link for the Mann Stearns application form in InfoReady. Applicants will receive a copy of their responses via email upon submission of their application and will have until the application due date listed in the calendar 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 will be expected to deliver one or more talks on their work, at venues and events mutually agreed upon by the recipient and the Provost.