Faculty Service Award

The Faculty Service Award recognizes full-time faculty whose extraordinary and creative voluntary service has contributed significantly to the University’s inclusion and belonging efforts. Recognized activities may include substantial service on a university-wide or school-wide equity committee and/or development/implementation of inclusion and belonging programming that impacts Columbia and its neighbors (i.e. pathways programs, community service programs, etc.).

 

Announcing the 2026 Faculty Service Award Recipient
 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement is pleased to recognize Elora Mukherjee, Jerome L. Greene Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, as the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Service Award.

Professor Mukherjee is being honored for her extraordinary service to the Columbia community and beyond through work that reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and public impact. Colleagues described her as an exceptional faculty member whose service spans direct community engagement, national leadership, and meaningful support for students, particularly through efforts that advance access, inclusion, and belonging.

Nominators highlighted the breadth and significance of Professor Mukherjee’s contributions, including her extensive service to students and communities that have often been underrepresented or underserved. They also emphasized the relevance and impact of her immigration work and advocacy, noting the care, dedication, and sense of responsibility she brings to this work. Her service reflects not only professional excellence, but also a sustained commitment to using her expertise in ways that meaningfully support others.

The Faculty Service Award recognizes faculty whose service has made a substantial and lasting contribution to their school, the University, and the broader community. Professor Mukherjee exemplifies that spirit through her leadership, generosity, and the far-reaching impact of her work.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Elora Mukherjee on this well-deserved recognition.


Selection Process

The selection process begins with an open nominations period when any member of the Columbia University faculty can nominate an eligible faculty member.

The Selection Committee reviews all nominations, requests dossiers for a pool of finalists they wish to consider for the award, and ultimately chooses up to five winners to recommend to the Provost.

Eligibility requirements

  • Full-time faculty members with an official academic appointment are eligible to be nominated.
  • Barnard and Teachers College faculty, visiting faculty and campus-level administrators (e.g., in the offices of the President and Provost, deans or department chairs) are not eligible for this award.
  • Nominees should have engaged in volunteer service activities that impacted faculty and/or students, including activities that benefit underrepresented groups (e.g., scholarship, community engagement and/or student mentorship).
  • Service activities can be at the program, department/unit, college, or university level.
  • This award is bestowed as a once in a lifetime achievement. Past winners are not eligible to receive a second award.

Selection Criteria

  • A demonstrated, sustained commitment to inclusion and belonging efforts
  • A record of innovative and impactful service
  • A history of consistent University service
  • Strength of letters of support from school/department/unit leadership

Submission Process and Deadlines

  1. A full-time faculty member nominates a peer for the award
  2. After the deadline, the Faculty Advancement office requests supplemental materials:
    1. A letter of support (from the nominee's School or Department)
    2. An updated CV and a personal statement highlighting service activities (from the nominee)

If you have questions about the Faculty Service Award, please contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement at [email protected]