The Award for Excellence in Public Service was created in 2007 to encourage, identify, recognize, and reward public service by faculty within the university system. Faculty members of any of the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina are eligible.

The Holshouser Award is one of three awards the UNC Board of Governors bestows each year to honor and recognize faculty excellence in the areas of teaching, research, and public service. More information about all of the UNC System’s awards is available here.

Selection criteria

• Faculty from any of the 17 institutions within the University of North Carolina System are eligible.
• Nominees must demonstrate sustained, distinguished, and superb achievement in public service and outreach, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life in North Carolina or elsewhere.
• The nominee’s achievements must exhibit a level of both creativity and impact that greatly exceed the normal accomplishments of a productive faculty member.
• The selection committee considers long-term achievements, special projects with extraordinary impact, and collaborative efforts.

Materials required for submission

• Executive summary including highlights of the candidate’s recent accomplishments related to the award (1-2 pages)
• Nominee’s résumé or curriculum vitae
• Letters of support (1-2 pages), optional, limited to two

A selection committee formed by the Engagement Operations Council, in support of the Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement, will identify the University’s nominee for the award. The Vice Provost will work with the nominator and local selection committee to secure a letter of nomination from the chancellor supporting the candidate’s demonstrated record of public service.

Prior NC State winners

• 2022 Bonnie Fusarelli, Professor, Dept. of Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development
• 2021 Jane Hoppin, Professor of Biological Sciences
• 2018 Walt Wolfram, William C. Friday Distinguished University Professor, Department of English
• 2016 Steve McKeand, Professor of Forestry and Environmental resources
• 2010 Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist