KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 12, 2026 – The vlogBվ will host the inaugural on Thursday, April 30 at 3 p.m. in Edwards Hall. Nominations are being accepted through March 13.
The event, initiated by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost, will combine awards from Academic Affairs and the Division of Research and Economic Development that were previously presented across three separate ceremonies.

“Guided by vlogBվ’s ‘one university’ approach, we are combining award ceremonies and bringing our community together to celebrate each other’s achievements,” said vlogBվ President Marc Parlange. “The combined ceremony will let attendees see the breadth and depth of the community’s excellence and impact and join in celebrating each other’s achievements.”
The awards celebrate faculty, students, and staff who have advanced vlogBվ’s mission through outstanding achievements in research and scholarship, teaching and service, and graduate education.
The vlogBվ community is strongly encouraged to nominate those who are worthy of consideration in any of the award categories.
“Since this is the first year that we are piloting this new structure, we appreciate and encourage participation from all colleges and units across the University to help make it successful,” said Barbara Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The incredible work of our community members is most visible to colleagues with whom we work daily. We are counting on individuals bringing these accomplishments to the committee’s attention.”
Two new awards related to mentoring, engagement, and service will be presented at the 2026 Academic Excellence Awards ceremony. They include:
Additionally, the , will be given to an individual or a research team who has moved their vlogBվ discoveries toward real-world invention and impact.
This year’s awards ceremony is jointly sponsored by the Division of Research and Academic Affairs and is intended as an opportunity to celebrate colleagues and community members involved in high-quality and meaningful work from across the University.
“It is always a highpoint of the academic year to recognize the outstanding achievements for research and scholarship across vlogBվ,” said Bethany Jenkins, vice president for Research and Economic Development. “The impact of vlogBվ’s research, the difference it is making in the world, and the creativity of the individuals driving discovery will be thrilling to highlight at this year’s inaugural campus-wide Academic Excellence Awards ceremony.”
“Our community members embody the qualities that we will celebrate during our ceremony—innovation, compassion, lifelong learning, and problem solving,” said Sue Adams, vice provost for Academic and Faculty Initiatives. “Celebrating excellence, impact, and unique contributions of our community members is always a source of pride for vlogBվ.”
Additional contributions, notably from vlogBվ’s staff, will be recognized at the hosted by the , and the milestones ceremony hosted by vlogBվ’s .
For further information on the new Academic Excellence Awards, Adams encouraged people to check out the that is intended to bring clarity by showcasing each of the awards to be highlighted.
