The Graduate Student Recognition Celebration is an annual event at which exceptional graduate and professional students are recognized for their significant contributions to research, community service, as well as teaching and leadership. The event begins with a brief ceremony during which the Dean presents student, faculty, and staff award recipients with a plaque for their achievements. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy hors d'oeuvres while viewing research posters from outstanding graduate student scholars.
Impact Awards
Graduate students make an impact through their research, which benefits our state and beyond. Each year, The Graduate School honors graduate students in programs throughout our University for their powerful discoveries that contribute to a better future for people and communities in North Carolina..
Dean’s Distinguished Dissertation Awards
The dissertation is the highest level of graduate student scholarship. Recipients of the Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Award are making outstanding contributions — read about their research in their own words.
Boka W. Hadzija Award for Distinguished University Service by a Graduate or Professional Student
This award, one of the Chancellor's Awards at Carolina, recognizes graduate and professional students who demonstrate exemplary character, scholarship, leadership and service by giving above and beyond to the greater University community.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience.
Carolina Center for Public Service Community Engagement Fellows (2023)
Learn more about the 2024 Carolina Center for Public Service Community Engagement Fellows and their projects.
Tanner Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by Graduate Teaching Assistants
In 1990, the University expanded the purview of the Tanner Awards to recognize excellence in the teaching of undergraduates by graduate teaching assistants. Learn more about the Tanner Awards.
Excellence in Graduate Student Services Award
Student services managers work hard to support graduate students' academic success and professional development. The Graduate and Professional Student Government and The Graduate School are pleased to present an award in recognition of this important work.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Student and Academic Program Support
Directors of graduate studies provide exemplary leadership. The Graduate School is pleased to honor the many ways they provide outstanding support for graduate programs and their students.
Dean’s Award for Significant Contributions to Graduate Education
This award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond what is normally required to make significant contributions that impact graduate education.
Prestigious External Fellowship Winners
External fellowships, which are highly competitive awards from the federal government and other organizations, add to Carolina's reputation as one of the world's leading public research universities.