Office of the Provost Engaged Scholarship Award

The Office of the Provost Engaged Scholarship Award was established in 2000 by Provost Dick Richardson to recognize extraordinary public service and engaged scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This award recognizes faculty members or university units for exemplary engaged scholarship in service to the state of North Carolina. Recipients of the award serve as an example of excellence, including responsiveness to community concerns and strong community partnerships.

Three Provost awards are given, one each for:

• Engaged teaching,
• Engaged research and
• Engaged partnership.

Recipients receive a $500 award and recognition at the annual Public Service Awards ceremony. Previous recipients of Public Service Awards are not eligible. View a list of previous recipients.

Nominations for the 2025 Office of the Provost Engaged Scholarship Awards are now closed and winners will be announced at the University Public Service Award ceremony scheduled for April 16, 2025. Please email ccps@unc.edu with any questions.

2024 award recipients

Dr. Kristin Papoi

Winner of the Office of the Provost Award for Engaged Teaching

The the award was presented to Dr. Kristin Papoi for her work with DREAM (Diverse and Resilient Educators Advised through Mentorship), a program through the UNC School of Education, which provides academic and professional support to UNC graduates to prepare them for three years of full-time teaching in Durham Public Schools. One of her nominators, Fabiola Salas Villalobos, wrote, “I have seen Dr. Papoi invest countless extra work hours, engage in constant reflection to improve the project, and balance these efforts with teaching responsibilities and family commitments. … Dr. Papoi is a problem solver and strategic thinker who prioritizes human relations and the well-being of program participants.”

Dr. Antwain Hunter

Winner of the Office of the Provost Award for Engaged Research

Dr. Antwain Hunter, assistant professor of history, received the award for his research with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the staff of Fort Macon. Fort Macon, a popular historic site in Carteret County, has lacked a comprehensive narrative about its diverse history. Throughout 2023, Dr. Hunter spent countless hours in partnership with the staff of Fort Macon, Carteret County community members and the Department researching and advising on updates to the site, providing a fuller and more accurate historical record. One of his nominators wrote, “despite the risks of engaging with the public during a time of divisive rhetoric about history and race, he exemplifies a belief that public service beyond the walls of the University classroom is a crucial part of an academic historian’s work. He brings a genuine passion for ensuring people well beyond the university develop a more comprehensive understanding of North Carolina’s Black history.”

 UNC Cares

Winner of the Office of the Provost Award for Engaged Partnership

UNC Cares, the Center for Aging and Adult Research and Educational Services at the UNC School of Social Work, was recognized for their outstanding efforts in championing the rights and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities across North Carolina. They were also recognized for their work with “Rethinking Guardianship NC,” an initiative to advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults and adults with disabilities.

 Previous Office of the Provost Award Recipients