2012-2013 Al S. Davis Leadership Award

Please note: Students will be invited to apply by their Academic Department. The College of Education Faculty and Academic Departments are encouraged to identify top candidates for this Award.

The Al S. Davis Leadership Award is awarded annually, honoring the life and educational career of Al Davis and his long and ongoing relationship with the College of Education. Al Davis strongly believes that all students can learn in an educational climate highlighted by strong leadership. This merit-based award supports a registered graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the College of Education who intends to pursue a leadership role in teaching/administration in a K-12 urban or small urban school environment. First preference is given to minority students. Please note: Graduate students employed as Staff by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are not eligible for a College of Education Award or Scholarship.

Scholars are eligible for a maximum of two Davis awards and will receive a taxable award of $1,000 payable in two installments (1/2 fall; 1/2 spring) which will be applied to their student.

Applicant Deadline

Friday, February 24, 2012. Late applications and supporting materials will not be accepted.

Conditions of the Award

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Be a registered graduate student in a degree-seeking College of Education program during the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters.
2. Intend to pursue a leadership role in teaching/administration in a K-12 urban or small urban school environment.
3. Maintain satisfactory and continuous progress toward his or her degree objective.
4. Must attend the College of Education Student Recognition Brunch held Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Applicant Procedures

Invited students will apply online and submit the following by the applicant deadline:

1. Submit a 2-3 page current curriculum vita, including research and/or teaching experiences, service awards and honors.
2. Submit a 1-2 page current personal statement which includes an outline of the degree program, current student status and stage of degree completion, educational and career aspirations, commitment to an urban or small urban school environment, and anticipated leadership role(s) as an administrator or teacher.
3. Provide two current letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a College of Education faculty member, and the second must be from a colleague or supervisor who has observed the candidate in an urban or small urban school environment. Letters of recommendation should address the applicant’s qualifications for this specific award. Please note: The online submission process will ask students to list their references. Reference will receive an auto-generated email asking them to upload their letter on behalf of the student.
4. If the applicant is in the dissertation stage, the dissertation director must provide written confirmation of the student’s status in the program.