Nominations for the 2026 First Citizen's Bank Scholars Medal will open in September.
Deadline: The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 award is November 14, 2025.
Contact: Christi Skerlak, Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Graduate School
The First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal was first awarded in 1988 and recognizes outstanding scholarship, creativity, and research among senior full-time faculty members. Each year, the University, with support from First Citizens Bank, presents this award to recognize and foster the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and creative endeavors.
The recipients are honored annually at a spring ceremony and reception presided over by the Chancellor, officials of First Citizens Bank, and other University officers. They are presented with a framed citation, a medal, and a cash prize.
Nominations must focus on the excellence and importance of sustained contributions in research and creative activities, including work done over a substantial period of time at UNC Charlotte. Relevant research and creative activities include scientific discoveries, books, a series of related articles, novels, sculptures, or paintings.
Nominations remain eligible for consideration for two years. The nominator should submit a memo in the second year stating the nominee agrees to be considered for the next round. Please submit the second-year memo to cskerlak@charlotte.edu.
Required nomination materials should consist of the following:
Nominator’s letter, clearly specifying the scholarly or creative accomplishments at UNC Charlotte and their significance.
2. Three letters of support from professionals outside of UNC Charlotte who are qualified to evaluate the work of the nominee and provide an authoritative view.
3. The nomination letter should include a brief biography (two to three sentences) of each letter writer indicated in number two above.
4. Nominee’s current curriculum vitae.
Optional supportive materials (such as books or journal articles) should be kept to one or two representative examples. If included, the material may be delivered to Christi Skerlak, in The Graduate School, Reese 527.
The deadline to submit a nomination is November 14, 2025.
Nomination material is submitted electronically by completing an online nomination form.
The selection committee is comprised of UNC Charlotte faculty.
Award recipients are announced in early spring.
2025 Dr. Franz Kellermanns, Management
2024: Dr. Adam Reitzel, Biological Sciences
2023: Dr. Kirill Afonin, Chemistry
2022: Dr. Jean-Claude Thill, Geography and Earth Sciences
2021: Dr. Akinwumi Ogundiran, Africana Studies
2020: Dr. James Walsh, Political Science and Public Administration
2019: Dr. Steven Rogelberg, Psychological Science and Management
2018: Dr. Pinku Mukherjee, Biological Sciences
2017: Dr. Robert Algozzine, Educational Leadership
2016: Dr. John David Smith, History
2015: Dr. William Ribarsky, Computer Science
2014: Dr. Craig Ogle, Chemistry
2013: Dr. Lawrence Calhoun and Dr. Richard Tedeschi, Psychology
2012: Dr. Jonathan Marks, Anthropology
2011: Dr. Roslyn A. Mickelson, Sociology
2010: Dr. Lyman L. Johnson, History
2009: Dr. Diane M. Browder, Special Education and Child Development
2008: Dr. Bruce A. Arrigo, Criminal Justice and Criminology
2007: Dr. Kenneth Bost, Biology
2006: Dr. Tanure Ojaide, Africana Studies
2005: Dr. Mark G. Clemens, Biology
2004: Dr. David T. Test, Special Education and Child Development
2003: Dr. Murray A. Webster, Jr., Sociology and Anthropology
2002: Dr. Rafic Z. Makki, Electrical and Computer Engineering
2001: Dr. Martha A. Strawn, Art
2000: Dr. Robert J. Hocken, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
1999: Dr. Donna R. Gabaccia, History
1998: Dr. Daniel L. Shealy, English
1997: Dr. Owen J. Furuseth, Geography and Earth Sciences
1996: Dr. Zbigniew Michalewicz, Computer Science
1995: Dr. Farid M. Tranjan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
1994: Dr. Saul Brenner, Political Science
1993: Dr. Thomas L. Reynolds, Biology
1992: Dr. Gerald F. Pyle, Geography and Earth Sciences
1991: Dr. Judith D. Suther, Foreign Languages, and Dr. K. David Patterson, History
1990: Dr. Bryan E. Robinson, Human Services
1989: Dr. David R. Goldfield, History, and Dr. James D. Oliver, Biology
1988: Dr. Paul D. Escott, History, and Dr. D. Paul Rillema, Chemistry