Reward Exceptional Student Service with a Frist Award

Ole Miss students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff can submit nominations for the annual awards online through April 5. To access the online form for nominations, click here.

Any full-time faculty or staff member, except previous winners, is eligible for the award, which includes a $1,000 prize and a plaque. Past nominations also may be considered.

"I am inspired by how our community has a deep commitment to serving students and uplifting one another," said Ashleen Williams, instructional assistant professor in the Office of the Provost and faculty recipient of the 2023 Frist Award. "I have long viewed past Frist award winners as role models for how to approach a career in higher education, so winning the award last year was a very exciting and humbling experience."

Nominations should refrain from focusing on classroom teaching or tutoring efforts. The Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award, which has a separate nomination process, recognizes excellence in that area.

The nomination should differentiate between obligation and service by citing specific examples in which the person being nominated has gone beyond the call of duty to help a student or students.

"If you know someone who has exceeded the traditional expectations of their position and has made a significant impact on student success, please share their story with us," said Blake Adams, program manager for the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program and the 2023 staff winner. "This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our dedicated faculty and staff members."

Awards will be presented May 11 at Commencement.

A list of previous Frist Award winners is available here.

The Frist Student Service Awards were established with a $50,000 gift from the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, of Nashville, a 1930 UM graduate.