Judith Deckers Prize

Award Details

This award illuminates and celebrates teaching excellence at Duke—in and outside of the classroom. The award winners will be thought leaders in the field who have a substantial track record of profoundly and positively affecting student learning and lives. 

All faculty members currently employed at Duke, who have taught an undergraduate course within the last four semesters in any undergraduate school (Trinity, Pratt, Nicholas, or Sanford) are eligible regardless of rank, title, classification, or research background. The award will grant three faculty members a prestigious honor along with a monetary prize of $35,000 each.

NOMINATION REVIEW

The Judith Deckers Prize welcomes faculty nominations from the Duke Community (faculty, staff, students, and alumni) March 1-31. Nominees will be evaluated using a rubric that assesses their classroom environment, teaching effectiveness, student outcomes, and contributions to their department, colleagues, and the broader campus community.

TIMELINE

March: Open nominations (due March 31)

April: Nominees contacted for more information

May - June: Nominations reviewed by the committee

July: Finalists notified

Sept: Teaching portfolio and finalist materials due

Oct - Nov: Finalists reviewed by committee

Jan: Recipients announced by Provost Alec Gallimore

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about the Judith Deckers Prize, please email deckers@duke.edu.

Who can nominate faculty for the Deckers Prize? Will I be able to nominate if I am graduating in May?

Yes, graduating seniors can nominate faculty. All students, staff, faculty, and alumni can nominate a faculty member for the Judith Deckers Prize.

Should those interested in submitting a nomination email their nomination?

No, nominations should be submitted via the online form.

When is the nomination deadline?

Nominations are due March 31, 2025.

Will a group be able to submit a nomination, or only an individual? For example, if a group of students wanted to co-write and submit a nomination together, could they do so?

Nominations for the Judith Deckers Prize should be submitted individually.

Will there be anything required of the faculty member being nominated? If so, what will that be and when would it be due?

Faculty nominated in March will be asked to provide names and contact information for students, colleagues, and alumni who can submit detailed nominations in early April. Finalists for the Deckers Prize will be notified in July and required to submit a teaching portfolio and letters of support by September.

Are undergraduate and graduate students eligible to win the Judith Deckers Prize?

No, undergraduate and graduate students are not eligible to win the Judith Deckers Prize.