The Oliver Max Gardner Award was established in 1949 and is given annually by the UNC System Board of Governors to a faculty member who "has made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race."
- This award is the highest honor conferred on UNC System faculty.
- Each UNC System institution may submit one nomination each year.
- The winner is recognized at the May Board of Governors meeting, with the members of the Gardner family in attendance.
Review the list of past winners.
Eligibility
Open to full-time faculty who:
- Have made a recent national or international contribution to the welfare of the human race; or
- Have made local contributions that serve as a model for the national or international community.
Nominating Procedures
App State faculty, staff, students, administrators or alumni may submit nominations.
Nominations are typically requested during the fall semester . A specific call for nominations will be sent out via email.
2027 Call for Nominations
Submit the 2027 Oliver Max Gardner Award nomination form by Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m.
One nominee per form. Please read the above eligibility requirements before submitting a form.
For questions, contact:
Dr. John Dawson
University Awards Committee Chair
Email: dawsonjw@appstate.edu
The University Awards Committee screens nominations and selects several finalists. Finalists are asked to submit a portfolio for review.