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SEC Emerging Scholars Program Nominations/Applications

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The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Schools are committed to supporting diverse and rich learning environments on their campuses. In support of this commitment, SEC schools have created a program to nurture and support emerging scholars who are committed to pursuing faculty positions at universities. There are two types of scholars who will be supported through this program for AY 2023–24: PhD students and post-docs.

PhD Students

This program will support three UT PhD students who are in the final year of their doctoral work. This program will provide financial support, professional development, networking and mentoring.

Qualifications and Expectations

An eligible candidate must:

  • be in the last year of the PhD program (passed comprehensive exams, submitted admission to candidacy form, have a reasonable expectation of finishing dissertation by summer 2024);
  • be committed to pursuing faculty positions after graduation; and
  • be willing to engage in a mentoring program including professional development and networking.

Support Provided by the Graduate School

  • $25,000 in fellowship support
  • mentoring program including professional development and networking
  • support for travel to professional development and disciplinary conferences

Support Provided by the Academic Unit/Department

  • 25% GRA or GTA appointment (stipend and tuition)
  • mentoring for the dissertation and disciplinary advancement (networking, publishing, attending conferences, etc.)

Post-Docs

This program will support two recent UT PhD graduates who want to focus their efforts on scholarly advancement and preparation for entering the higher education job market. The program will provide financial support so that the post-docs can immerse fully in scholarly advancement activities, such as professional development, gaining experience teaching, and publishing their research.

Qualifications and Expectations

An eligible candidate must:

  • have recently completed PhD (spring 2023, summer 2023, second deadline summer 2023);
  • be committed to pursuing faculty positions following the post-doc appointment; and
  • be willing to engage in a mentoring program including professional development and networking.

Support Provided by the Office of the Provost

This support includes that provided by the Graduate School and Faculty Affairs.

  • $65,000 salary plus benefits
  • mentoring program including professional development and networking
  • mentoring support for developing teaching skills
  • support for travel to professional development and disciplinary conferences

Support Provided by the Academic Unit/Department

  • continued mentoring for disciplinary advancement (networking, publishing, attending conferences, etc.)
  • opportunity to be instructor of record for a class in fall 2023 and/or spring 2024

The SEC Emerging Scholars Program is open to anyone regardless of race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, political affiliation, veteran status, parental status, socio‐economic status, or first language. Its purpose is to ensure that faculty members reflect a multitude of experiences and viewpoints and that students are exposed to a variety of perspectives.

Nomination/Application Process

PhD Students

Departments may nominate no more than one student. Nominations should be sent to GradSchoolDean@utk.edu by March 10, 2023. All materials for the nomination should be contained in a single pdf document.

Nominations must include:

  • nomination letter from department head or director of graduate studies indicating 25% assistantship support for AY 2023–24
  • nomination letter from the faculty mentor including:
    • information on the student’s progress with the dissertation research;
    • qualities that make this student a good potential faculty member; and
    • attributes that demonstrate the student’s commitment to excellence.
  • application letter from the student including:
    • why the student is interested in the program;
    • how their experiences and viewpoints are unique and would be beneficial to students if they become faculty members; and
    • a statement of their commitment to professional advancement in higher education.

Interviews with finalists will be held in late March and early April 2023.

Post-Docs

Current UT PhD students may apply. Eligible for hiring only if all PhD requirements completed by second deadline for summer 2023.

Applications should be sent to GradSchoolDean@utk.edu by March 10, 2023. All materials for the application should be contained in a single pdf document.

Applications must include:

  • application letter from the current student including:
    • why they are interested in the program;
    • how their experiences and viewpoints are unique and would be beneficial to students if they become faculty members;
    • a statement of their commitment to teaching and professional advancement in higher education; and
    • evidence of a timeline for completion of the dissertation no later than second deadline for summer 2023.
  • nomination letter from the department (faculty mentor, department head, or director of graduate studies) including:
    • qualities that make this student a good potential faculty member;
    • attributes demonstrating the student’s commitment to excellence; and
    • an attestation of the student’s progress toward completing the dissertation.

Interviews with finalists will be held in late March and early April 2023.