The nominator must provide the nominee’s name, title and department, along with the following documentation:
Required:
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A letter of nomination (not to exceed one-page) describing the nominee’s accomplishments relevant to the award category. If the letter exceeds one page, only the first page will be reviewed.
- A letter of support (not to exceed one-page) highlighting the nominee’s contributions. If the letter exceeds one page, only the first page will be reviewed.
Optional:
One additional letter of support (not to exceed one-page) from colleagues, peers or others supporting the nomination. If the letter exceeds one page, only the first page will be reviewed. The nomination letter, letter of support, and the curriculum vitae are the primary documents reviewed by the Awards Committee in selecting recipients. Nominators should ensure that the letters clearly articulate the nominee's accomplishments, particularly those that may not be evident from the CV, and that they align with the award criteria.
The Community Faculty Award for Excellence honors a community faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the mission and values of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University through their voluntary contributions. This award recognizes outstanding performance and dedication in at least one institutional mission area – teaching, research or discovery, clinical care, or administrative service – as part of their community faculty role. Nominees are individuals who exceed the expectations of their appointment, serve as role models to students and peers, and actively enhance the reputation and effectiveness of the medical school. This award highlights the unique and essential role that community faculty play in fulfilling the academic and clinical missions of the institution. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession and to the of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
- Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism.
- Has served as an inspiration and role model to the academic community (e.g., students).
- Surpasses requirements of his/her community faculty position and has achieved an exceptional record of continued extraordinary commitment and service to the medical school.
- Promotes or improves the image of the medical school.
Eligibility & Award
All community faculty members holding an active appointment within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have maintained an active faculty appointment for a minimum of three consecutive years by December 31, 2025. Previous recipients may be nominated again after five years. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University who has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching across settings and levels of learners. Teaching is broadly defined to include all intentional efforts to facilitate learning across clinical, didactic, experiential, and digital environments. This may occur in equally valuable contexts, including but not limited to, face-to-face or online formats; individual or group settings; and classroom, simulation, clinical, laboratory, or community-based contexts. This award honors educators who go beyond delivering content to foster inquiry, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences. The recipient will have demonstrated effectiveness through curriculum innovation, educational leadership, interprofessional instruction, or impactful contributions to learner development and success. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Instructional Effectiveness: Demonstrates high-quality instruction across courses, levels, or learning environments with strong evaluations from students and/or peers.
- Curriculum and Course Development: Develops or leads educational innovations such as new courses, curricular components, or instructional tools that enhance learning outcomes.
- Educational Leadership: Serves as a course director, advisor, or educational leader with recognized impact on learners or program development.
- Scholarly or Recognized Teaching Contributions: Shares teaching innovations or results through publication, invited presentations, teaching awards, or other peer-reviewed dissemination.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least one year of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may be nominated again after five years. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Excellence in Research Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in the creation, application, and dissemination of new knowledge that advances health, education, or science. This award honors the full breadth of scholarship within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, including basic science research, clinical and translational research, health services and public health research, and social science or education research. Nominees may be recognized for original investigations, applied research, scholarly innovation, or discovery that improves health outcomes, informs practice, shapes policy, or enhances teaching and learning. Contributions may span laboratory, clinical, community, or academic settings and may include externally funded research, peer-reviewed publication, policy engagement, or scholarly dissemination in multiple formats. Excellence in research may also be demonstrated through the development of tools and methods that advance inquiry. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Originality and Rigor: Demonstrates a record of scholarly activity that reflects innovation, methodological strength, and clear contribution to advancing knowledge or practice.
- Dissemination and Impact: Shares findings through peer-reviewed publications, external presentations, tools, policy briefs, or other forms of scholarly communication that reach academic, clinical, or public audiences.
- Research Leadership and Collaboration: Serves as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or collaborative leader on scholarly initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
- Wider Recognition: Secures external or internal support for scholarly work and receives recognition from peers, professional organizations, or institutional entities, which may include but are not limited to project funding, invitations as a guest speaker, offers for additional collaboration, etc.
- Scholarly Integration: Applies research to improve education, clinical care, health systems, or community outcomes in ways that demonstrate practical relevance and lasting contribution.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least one year of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may be nominated again after five years. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Excellence in Clinical Care Award recognizes a faculty member within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to patient care, clinical leadership, and the advancement of healthcare delivery. This award honors individuals whose clinical work reflects the highest standards of skill, compassion, innovation, and alignment with the mission of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Nominees may be recognized for excellence in direct patient care, clinical teaching, development of care models or protocols, leadership of interprofessional clinical teams, or innovations that improve patient outcomes or health system performance. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Exemplary Clinical Practice: Delivers high-quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered care with recognized outcomes or performance indicators.
- Innovation in Clinical Delivery: Leads or contributes to new models of care, quality improvement initiatives, or practice innovations that improve effectiveness or efficiency.
- Clinical Teaching and Mentorship: Serves as a clinical educator, mentor, or preceptor with strong learner feedback and contributions to professional development.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Collaborates across disciplines or departments in ways that improve patient care and support team-based service delivery.
- Leadership in Health Systems or Practice Improvement: Demonstrates influence beyond direct patient care through roles in clinical policy, systems design, or institutional leadership in care delivery.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least one year of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may be nominated again after five years. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Excellence in Administration & Service Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in administrative leadership and institutional service that advances the mission and operations of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University. This award honors behind-the-scenes contributions that are essential to the success of academic programs, clinical enterprises, research infrastructure, student affairs, or shared governance. Nominees may be recognized for administrative roles at the departmental, school, or institutional level; contributions to accreditation, compliance, or strategic planning; leadership of faculty governance or professional development initiatives; or service to professional organizations that elevate the visibility and impact of the institution. Service may be local, regional, or national in scope, and may span committees, task forces, advisory groups, or elected leadership positions. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Leadership and Initiative: Serves in a formal or informal leadership capacity that enhances academic, clinical, research, or operational programs.
- Operational Excellence: Contributes to improved systems, efficiency, or effectiveness in support of institutional priorities and infrastructure.
- Institutional Service: Participates meaningfully in faculty governance, strategic planning, accreditation, or committee work that advances the mission.
- Professional Service and Representation: Represents the institution through service to national boards, task forces, or professional societies in ways that reflect positively on VHS.
- Sustained Commitment and Impact: Demonstrates long-term engagement and tangible outcomes that improve institutional culture, operations, or stakeholder experience.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least one year of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may be nominated again after five years. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Award for Mentoring recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the professional growth and success of others through sustained, high-quality mentoring. This award honors individuals who foster the development of colleagues, trainees, or students by providing guidance, advocacy, and support across academic, clinical, research, or leadership domains. Mentorship is defined broadly to include formal or informal relationships that promote career development, skill acquisition, scholarly productivity, or personal and professional growth. Effective mentors serve as role models and collaborators, helping mentees navigate challenges, leverage opportunities, and achieve their defined goals. This award celebrates the outcomes and impact of mentoring relationships, rather than the number of individuals mentored. Up to two awards will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in multiple areas below, consistent with their mentoring role and the career stages of their mentees:
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession and to the of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
- Mentors numerous junior faculty/students/residents/fellows to promote their professional development.
- Involve peers and mentees in publications, grants, and conferences, as well as readily share knowledge of such opportunities.
- Displays evidence of mentees completing their defined projects (e.g., grants, publications, promotional goals).
- Serve as role models for their colleagues by maintaining high standards for excellence with their own discipline and the greater institution.
- They are recognized scholars with demonstrated success in their own area of expertise.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least one year of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may be nominated again after three years. The recipients will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated sustained, high-level performance across multiple mission areas, including teaching, research or discovery, clinical care (if applicable), and institutional service or leadership. This award honors individuals who embody the values and mission of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University through well-rounded excellence that reflects both professional achievement and institutional citizenship. Recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award demonstrate broad-based leadership and consistent impact across their faculty roles. Up to one award will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate excellence across three or more of the following core areas, with at least one area at a truly outstanding level:
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession and to the of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
- Demonstrates leadership, accomplishment, and recognition in these areas of endeavor.
- Demonstrates outstanding reliability and cooperation.
- Exemplifies outstanding conduct and exceeds expectations in the performance of duties over multiple years of service.
- Exemplifies the medical school’s core values at a superior level, continually fostering pride within the institution.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must have completed at least ten years of service by December 31, 2025. Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Previous recipients may not be nominated again. The recipient will receive a $1,000 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
The Rising Star Award honors early-career faculty who have demonstrated exceptional promise in academic medicine or health professions education. This award recognizes faculty who embody the mission and values of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University through early contributions in teaching, research, clinical practice, service, or program development. Rising Stars are emerging leaders and role models who show clear evidence of future excellence in their field. Up to two awards will be presented annually for the medical school. Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple areas below, consistent with their role and school:
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession and to the of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
- Receives outstanding evaluations for teaching performance and/or clinical supervision of medical/graduate students or residents/fellows.
- Establishes a recognized research program evidenced by extramural funding, invited presentations, abstracts and publications.
- Seeks opportunity to improve or gain new skills.
- Makes significant improvements to clinical care or to a clinical program.
- Contributes in a major way to committees and/or administrative functions affecting the mission, goals, and welfare of the medical school.
Eligibility & Award
All full-time faculty (salaried TR faculty and AP faculty with rank, non-salaried, and VA Medical Center) within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University are eligible for this award. Nominees must be within their second through sixth consecutive year of service by December 31, 2025 (i.e., not eligible in year one; not eligible beyond year six). Candidates must not have had any formal disciplinary action or unresolved reports of professional misconduct within the past 36 months and must have received a rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher on their most recent annual faculty evaluation. Recipients may receive the Rising Star Award only once. The recipients will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative item, and formal recognition at the annual Faculty Appreciation & Recognition Event.
