Nominations for the Irene Rothbaum Award for Outstanding Assistant Professor in Arts and Sciences should be submitted to the dean. Selection will be by a committee of college faculty and alumni appointed by the dean and the award will be presented at the spring faculty meeting.

The Irene Rothbaum Award for Outstanding Assistant Professor in Arts and Sciences was established in 1995 with a generous donation from Julian Rothbaum in honor of his wife. It is awarded to tenure-track assistant professors with at least two complete years in rank at OU. This award may be bestowed upon an individual only once. Outstanding teaching as shown by student-teacher evaluations, chair recommendations and additional information such as student or peer letters of support are used as criteria for the award. The individual should be a model teacher, recognized for dedication, effectiveness and ability to inspire students to high levels of achievement. The candidates also should show evidence for good progress in scholarship, such as publication in peer-reviewed outlets and fellowship or grant support.

The recipient shall be awarded $2,500. They may choose to use the award either as a salary supplement or in support of teaching and/or scholarship. The recipient also will have their name placed on a plaque for permanent display in the college office.