Lindback Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award
The Lindback Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award is Stockton University’s highest honor for teaching excellence. Supported by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, the award recognizes faculty whose teaching demonstrates exceptional effectiveness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustained impact on student learning.
The award reflects Stockton’s commitment to student-centered education and to fostering intellectual and personal growth through high-quality teaching.
The Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award honors faculty members who:
- Demonstrate outstanding teaching effectiveness and evidence of student learning
- Use innovative, research-informed teaching practices
- Create inclusive and equitable learning environments
- Serve as mentors and advisors to students
- Contribute to the advancement of teaching at Stockton University
Through this award, Stockton recognizes the central role of teaching excellence in advancing the University’s mission and values.
To be eligible for nomination, faculty must:
- Be full-time Stockton University faculty (tenured, tenure-track, clinical, or NTTP)
- Have taught at Stockton for at least two years
- Have primary teaching responsibility in the most recent academic year
- Not have received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award within the previous five years
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Faculty
- Students
- Staff
- Administrators
- Alumni
Joint nominations are welcome. Self-nominations are permitted, provided all required materials are submitted, including letters of support.
Once nominations have been received, the Office of the Provost will notify nominees and request that they submit the required materials.
Nominations are evaluated using a standardized rubric across five weighted areas:
- Teaching Effectiveness and Student Learning (40%)
Evidence of high-quality instruction and meaningful student outcomes - Pedagogical Innovation and Course Design (20%)
Creative, evidence-based, and inclusive teaching approaches - Mentoring and Inclusive Engagement (15%)
Advising, mentorship, and support for diverse student populations - Contributions to the Teaching Community (10%)
Leadership in pedagogy, curriculum, or teaching initiatives - Sustained Impact and Reflective Practice (15%)
Long-term influence on teaching and commitment to continuous improvement
A complete nomination packet must include:
- Nomination letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae highlighting teaching accomplishments
- Teaching philosophy and approach statement (2–4 pages)
- Student evaluation summaries from the past two years
- Sample syllabus or course materials
- Up to three letters of support, including at least one from a student or alumnus
Incomplete nomination packets cannot be advanced for review.
A University-wide Selection Committee reviews all eligible nominations. The committee includes faculty representatives from each School, a student representative, and a representative from the Center for Teaching & Learning Design.
Only the final recipient’s name is publicly announced.
The Lindback Award follows an annual review cycle:
- Call for nominations: March 2nd
- Nominee acceptance deadline: March 20th
- Nomination deadline: April 3rd
- Final approval: Mid April
Each Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award recipient receives:
- A commemorative plaque
- A monetary honorarium supported by the Lindback Foundation
- Public recognition at Stockton University Commencement
Recipients may also be invited to share their expertise through teaching workshops or future service on the selection committee.
For questions about eligibility, nominations, or the selection process, please contact:
Office of the Provost
c/o Gerry Lorentz
Email: gerry.lorentz@stockton.edu


