Tom Kealy, Ph.D., has been named Clemson’s first director for faculty awards and honorifics.
In this role, Kealy reports to Senior Associate Provost Amy Lawton-Rauh to direct and manage workflows and networks supporting internal and external awards recognizing faculty excellence in teaching, service, scholarly pursuits, and leadership across the University.
How does your previous experience contribute to your role at Clemson?
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to support faculty in a few different roles, including as a department chair and as an academic dean at a small liberal arts college in rural New England. My roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that faculty face, especially when it comes to making time for self-promotion. As a faculty member my teaching and research benefited from several different awards and fellowships, which inspired me to focus on assisting faculty in their pursuit of these benefits as an administrator. At Clemson I am hoping to combine the joy of working 1:1 with faculty on formally recognizing their achievements as relevant and important for their long-term career development with my experience leading institutional change at the programmatic level. My goal is to create a vibrant “culture of recognition” at Clemson, so that all faculty member at every College at Clemson feel recognized for their teaching, research, scholarship, extension, librarianship, and creative activities and have a clear path and plan to gain that recognition.
What attracted you to Clemson?
I appreciate the values of a Land Grant institution like Clemson! Last year I enjoyed an American Council on Education fellowship, an opportunity which allowed me to observe executive leadership at many higher education institutions in the United States. While I enjoyed the small college approach to teaching which I nurtured for my career as a professor, I recognize the essential role that Land Grant institutions play at a national, and international, level for the benefit of individual students, life-changing research, and society. Clemson’s commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement drew me to this position. The university’s reputation for fostering innovation and supporting faculty development aligns perfectly with my professional values and aspirations. I was particularly impressed by the Clemson Elevate strategic plan to grow faculty research and the collaborative environment that promotes faculty goals. Additionally, Clemson’s focus on enhancing the student experience aligns with my belief that supporting faculty excellence directly enhance student outcome.
What do you envision for your office in one year, 3 years, 5 years?
In year one, I envision establishing a robust support system for faculty, including comprehensive resources and personalized guidance for award applications. In three years, I aim to have increased the number and diversity of faculty recognized for their outstanding contributions, fostering a culture of excellence and recognition across all departments. In five years, I see the office being a national leader in faculty development and recognition, with a well-established network of partnerships and a track record of successful award recipients who continue to elevate Clemson’s academic reputation.
What should faculty know about the Office of Awards and Honorifics?
Faculty should know that the entire Faculty Affairs team within the Office of the Provost is dedicated to supporting their professional growth and recognition. I can provide tailored assistance to individual faculty and department chairs to identify suitable awards, consult in preparing application materials, and assist in navigating the submission process. I also aim to align internal awards with external award dossiers with as much efficiency of time and materials preparation as possible. My goal is to ensure that faculty achievements are celebrated and that they receive the recognition they deserve, both within and outside of Clemson. I am here to enhance faculty success and collaborate across the university with all faculty.
What advice would you give to a faculty member who is interested in being considered for an award?
I would advise faculty members to start by thoroughly researching the awards that align with their career goals and academic contributions and consider how each recognition builds like rungs on a ladder throughout their career. It’s essential to understand the specific criteria, timeline, and expectations of each award available. Additionally, seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors on application materials can be invaluable. Engage with the tools available to you: your department chair, faculty mentors, your research colleagues, and your professional organizations. Aligning fellowships with sabbatical projects can also significantly bolster an award application. Lastly, persistence is key—don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks, as each application process is a learning opportunity that strengthens future submissions.
Can you provide examples of how awards further a faculty member’s career?
My own experience with awards and fellowships completely transformed my career. Why? Mainly because they increased my happiness and satisfaction. Honorific awards enhance a faculty member’s career by providing formal recognition of their contributions, which can lead to increased visibility and credibility in their field. This recognition often translates into greater opportunities for research funding, collaboration, and career advancement. Awards can also boost individual and departmental morale and motivation, encouraging faculty to continue pursuing excellence in their work. Importantly, being recognized through awards can enhance one’s teaching effectiveness due to connections made with national and international communities of successful faculty, which positively impacts student success and satisfaction. These recognitions can also help with recruiting students, research scholars, and postdoctoral fellows.
What would you recommend Clemson to implement so our faculty are more competitive for awards?
Perhaps the most important first step for faculty is to maintain membership in your professional organizations. An example of why this is essential: Becoming a AAAS fellow is predicated on four years of membership in the organization. I would also recommend that faculty engage in some of the programs I am looking to offer in the next year: implementing a structured mentorship program where past award recipients can mentor potential candidates; providing workshops on crafting compelling narratives for award applications; offering mock review panels. Increasing institutional support, creating space for faculty to apply for awards, can be useful. Such measures can include dedicated writing and editing services for award applications. These initiatives will not only support faculty in achieving recognition but will also foster a culture of excellence that benefits the entire university community.
Want to learn more?
Check out Dr. Kealy’s LinkedIn, Staff Profile, and Featured Article in the Faculty Affairs Newsflash!
