Graduate Assistant of the Year

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The Graduate School is offering two awards this year to recognize outstanding graduate assistants: Graduate Research Assistant of the Year and Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year.

The Graduate Research Assistant of the Year Award honors a graduate research assistant who demonstrates strong character, makes exceptional contributions to the University’s mission through research or creative activity, and shows notable scholarly or academic achievement.

The Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year Award recognizes a graduate teaching assistant who exemplifies strong character, makes significant contributions to the University’s mission through undergraduate instruction, and demonstrates outstanding scholarly or academic accomplishment.

Nominees for either award must be currently enrolled graduate assistants in good academic standing on a minimum of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework. A nomination form (links are below) must be completed by the student's school director, graduate coordinator, or immediate supervisor. The nomination form and all required documents are due no later than Friday, March 13, 2026, by 5:00 pm.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Resumé or CV (no more than three pages) outlining the nominee's achievements and contributions in the following areas: (a) undergraduate instruction (TA award) or publications/creative works, presentations, exhibitions, or performances (RA award); (b) scholarly awards and recognition; and (c) service to professional societies, the university, and the community.

2. Personal statement from the student (approx. 500 words) which reflects on and describes their contributions to the University and their field of study

3. Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically by the nominator: (a) one by the student's advisor (b) one by the student's school director or graduate coordinator (c) one by a graduate committee member or other faculty member

The 2026 RA and TA of the Year Award winners will be announced at the Graduate Research Symposium Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 16. The Awards Luncheon will be held in the Thad Cochran Center Grand Ballroom, 3rd floor, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.  Winners will receive a cash award and commemorative plaque.

• Click Here for Graduate Research Assistant (RA) of the Year Nomination Form
• Click Here for Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA) of the Year Nomination Form

Questions about the award should be addressed to Shaadi.ShoubakiFREEMississippi.

We look forward to receiving your nominations!