The George H. Johnson Prize for Distinguished Achievement by an IAH Fellow is a biennial award, which provides the recipient research funds and a banquet in their honor. The prize, which began in 2008, was named after one of the Institute’s great ambassadors and a former advisory board member. The award honors Johnson and recognizes the exemplary contributions by faculty in the arts, humanities, and humanistic social sciences.

Awards

The awardee receives $5,000. The awardee gives a short presentation at Hyde Hall to friends and Fellows and is given a small private dinner in their honor.

Eligibility

All full professors currently on faculty at Carolina who have participated at any time in the Institute’s Faculty Fellowship Program (including Chapman Family Teaching Award recipients) or Academic Leadership Program. To verify a potential nominee’s affiliation with our programs, search for their name in the Institute’s Faculty Fellows Database or Academic Leadership Database.

The Johnson Prize honors a substantial contribution to scholarly or creative work in the arts, humanities, or interpretive social sciences over the course of an entire career. Leadership in the faculty member’s chosen field of endeavor, on the UNC campus, or in a specific on- or off-campus community, will figure prominently in the committee’s selection of the recipient.

Nomination Process

The nomination period for the Johnson Prize is now closed. The next nomination cycle will be in 2026.

Please do not tell colleagues that you are nominating them for this prize or ask them to give you supporting materials for the nomination. The selection committee will collect the necessary materials for making the decision as needed.

Selection Process

The IAH Director will select two faculty members to serve on the Johnson Prize Selection Committee. The committee will review the nominees and make a recommendation to the IAH Director and the Senior Associate Dean for the Fine Arts and Humanities for final approval.

The winner of the prize will be announced on October 24 and will be the keynote speaker on their area of research at the Johnson Prize Presentation and award dinner in December 2024.

Previous Recipients

2022: Kenneth Janken

2020: Elizabeth Olson

2018: Lloyd Kramer

2016: John McGowan

2014: James Peacock

2012: Gerald Postema

2010: Julia Wood

2008: Trudier Harris

Funding Guidelines

Appropriate use of funding

Research-related travel, conferences or other professional development activities, work equipment, grad/student/research assistants; research materials/books, food for research-related seminars and workshops; and contributions to campus departments (e.g., research collaborations).

Inappropriate use of funding

Personal use; regular or base salary; or any related administrative supplements.

Funds expire

June 30, 2024.

Questions

For more information about the nomination process, contact:

Gina Moser
Development Coordinator
919-843-0078
gmoser@unc.edu

Last updated: 9/17/24