The Thomas Jefferson Award, funded through a grant from the Robert Earll McConnell Foundation, honors a member of the University of Missouri community who "through personal influence and performance of duty in teaching, writing and scholarship, character and influence, devotion and loyalty to the University best exemplifies the principles and ideals of Thomas Jefferson." For example, Jefferson encouraged competition among ideas, rejected superstition in favor of a scientific and rational world view, believed that society and government should be tolerant of differences, supported free public education and the application of knowledge to the solution of public problems, and was devoted to free expression.
In light of its stated purpose, the Thomas Jefferson Award recognizes individuals who rise above excellence and demonstrate clear distinction in teaching, research, writing, creative activities, and service to the University of Missouri and humankind.
The award is in the amount of $15,000, less applicable taxes. It also includes a certificate and the Thomas Jefferson Cup.
The recipient of this award may hold the title of Thomas Jefferson Professor during the two years that he/she is the current recipient. After two years, the title of "Thomas Jefferson Fellow" may be used.
Any member of the University of Missouri community, active or emeritus, associated with one of the campuses for at least ten years is eligible.
The Thomas Jefferson Award will be given in odd-numbered years.
Nominations should include a cover letter summarizing the nominee’s contributions in teaching, research, writing, creative activities, and service to the University of Missouri and humankind. No more than 10 letters of support may accompany the nomination. Letters may be from students, colleagues, alumni, and external referees. An up-to-date curriculum vita of no more than 10 pages and evidence of the nominee’s contributions in teaching, research, writing, creative activities and service to the University of Missouri and humankind should accompany the nomination. The total nomination packet should not exceed 40 pages and is not to be placed in a hard binder.
Ten (10) copies of the nomination packet should be submitted by the appropriate designee on the campus to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Attn: Ms. Sam Kanatzar, 518 Clark Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211, no later than January 31, 2007.
Ten copies of the nomination packet should be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Attn: Ms. Sam Kanatzar, 518 Clark Hall no later than January 31, 2007.
January 31, 2007
Michael M. Harris, Professor of Management, UM-St. Louis
| Year | Honoree | Department | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Douglas D. Randall | Professor of Biochemistry | UM-Columbia |
| 2003 | Max J. Skidmore | Department of Political Science | UM-Kansas City |
| 2001 | Steven Hause | Department of History | UM-St. Louis |
| 1999 | Lawrence Christensen | Professor of History | UM-Rolla |
| 1998 | Betty Winfield | Professor of Journalism | UM-Columbia |
| 1997 | Susan Flader | Professor of History | UM-Columbia |
| 1997 | Donald Phares | Professor of Economics and Public Policy | UM-St. Louis |
| 1996 | David A. Leuthold | Professor Emeritus of Political Science | UM-Columbia |
| 1995 | Edmund B. Lambeth | Professor of Journalism | UM-Columbia |
| 1995 | Wayne M. Bledsoe | Professor of History and Political Sciences | UM-Rolla |
| 1994 | Osmund R. Overby | Professor of Art History and Archaeology | UM-Columbia |
| 1993 | Richard G. Hetherington | Director, Computer Science and Telecommunications Program | UM-Kansas City |
| 1992 | Doris Trojcak | Professor of Education | UM-St. Louis |
| 1991 | Charles G. Nauert, Jr. | Professor of History | UM-Columbia |
| 1990 | Joy Eugene Whitener | Dean Emeritus, Evening College and Professor of Education | UM-St. Louis |
| 1989 | William J. James | Professor Emeritus of Chemistry | UM-Rolla |
| 1988 | Kenneth J. LaBudde | Professor Emeritus of History | UM-Kansas City |
| 1987 | Richard A. Watson | Professor of Political Science | UM-Columbia |
| 1986 | Abraham Eisenstark | Professor of Biological Sciences | UM-Columbia |
| 1985 | Patricia A. McIlrath | Curators' Professor of Theatre | UM-Kansas City |
| 1985 | Arvarh E. Strickland | Professor of History | UM-Columbia |
| 1984 | Charles H. Chapman | Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology | UM-Columbia |
| 1984 | Sioma Kagan | Emeritus Professor of International Business | UM-St. Louis |
| 1984 | Martin Levit | Professor of Education and Philosophy | UM-Kansas City |
| 1984 | George McPherson | Professor of Electrical Engineering | UM-RollaG-13 |
| 1983 | Harold F. Breimyer | Professor of Agricultural Economics | UM-Columbia |
| 1982 | Douglas C. Wixson, Jr. | Associate Professor of English | UM-Rolla |
| 1981 | James H. Laue | Associate Professor of Sociology | UM-St. Louis |
| 1980 | Henry E. Bent | Professor Emeritus of Chemistry | UM-Columbia |
| 1979 | Noble E. Cunningham, Jr. (Deceased) |
Professor of History | UM-Columbia |
| 1978 | J. Milton Poehlman | Professor of Agronomy | UM-Columbia |
| 1977 | Hazel Browne Williams | Professor of Education | UM-Kansas City |
| 1977 | A. Sterl Artley | Professor of Education | UM-Columbia |
| 1976 | Noel P. Gist | Professor Emeritus of Sociology | UM-Columbia |
| 1975 | James Neal Primm | Professor of History | UM-St. Louis |
| 1974 | Norman N. Royall, Jr. | UM-Kansas City | |
| 1973 | Ernest Manheim | Professor Emeritus of Sociology | UM-Kansas City |
| 1972 | William H. Peden | Proessor of English | UM-Columbia |
| 1971 | Lewis E. Atherton (Deceased) | Professor Emeritus of History | UM-Columbia |
| 1970 | Carlton F. Scofield | Former Chancellor, University of Missouri-Kansas City | UM-Kansas City |
| 1969 | James L. Bugg, Jr. | Former Chancellor, University of Missouri-St. Louis | UM-St. Louis |
| 1968 | John Neihardt (Deceased) | Poet | UM-St. Louis |
| 1967 | Elmer Ellis (Deceased) | President Emeritus | University of Missouri |