Public Commentary Excellence Award

Criteria for Award

Examples of sharing expertise and research with the media or community that enhances public understanding of the issues of the day and stimulates dialogue and discourse among the public at large may include, but are not limited to:

• op-ed, column or blog writing at the local, national or international level
• media interviews in print or broadcast outlets
• community-based public speaking engagements

The award committee will be looking for evidence of originality, initiative, a thoughtful attempt to engage, inform and educate the broader public on complex issues, effectiveness of spoken and/or written communication, creativity in spurring thought provoking public conversation, and reaching a wide variety of audiences in various formats, as applicable.

Applications

Faculty must self-apply. Chairs/Directors and faculty colleagues are encouraged to approach strong potential applicants to express their support and to encourage their application.

Application Package

Applicants must provide:

• current curriculum vitae;
• cover letter outlining the contribution of the applicant’s body of activity, drawing on examples where appropriate, over the last two years to sharing expertise and research with the media or community, enhancing public understanding of the issues of the day, and stimulating dialogue and discourse among the public at large; and
• four to six sample pieces of public writing, outlines of public addresses, or digital files or URL’s of media interviews, as applicable.

Award Recognition

The recipient of the award will receive a $1,000 taxable cash award, and a framed certificate. They will also be featured in a Faculty profile online and on social media to highlight their achievement.

Procedures and Selection Committee

Applicants should use the application submission form on the ODFPA website to upload their materials. Completed application packages must be received by Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The selection committee for the Public Commentary Excellence Award is chaired by the Associate Dean, Student and Enrollment.  The award selection committee membership will normally consist of up to four FPGA faculty members drawing on past recipients (as available).  The selection committee will make its recommendation to the Dean.

Please note that since the Office of the Dean sponsors these awards, faculty and professional staff working in the Office of the Dean are not eligible for these awards nor are they able to provide nominations or letters of support for others.

Past winners are eligible to re-apply five years after receipt of their last award. 

Past FPGA Public Commentary Excellence Award Winners