ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards 

The ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards recognize highly accomplished PhD students who have produced exceptional dissertations of outstanding scholarly quality in any field of study.

Eligibility

Nominees must have been awarded their doctoral degree during the 2025 calendar year, which includes commencements held in May, August, or December. Students who defended the dissertation in 2024 but received the degree in 2025 are eligible to be nominated.

Students who defend the dissertation in fall 2025 but do not receive the degree until May 2026 are ineligible for the current year, but may be nominated during the 2026 competition. 

Nominations of outstanding women, minorities, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in their disciplines are encouraged.

Number of Awards

Ten awards in the amount of $1,000.

Selection Process

PhD students interested in being nominated must have a faculty member complete the application link https://tinyurl.com/y3bnq58d no later than 9 am Monday, October 27th, 2025. 

The nomination application must include the following documents:

• Cover sheet with contact information
• A letter of nomination- up to three letters of support submitted directly by the letter writers- letters may be emailed directly to Mark Romanowski, [email protected].
• Dissertation abstract
• Academic transcript (unofficial copy)
• Curriculum Vitae

The SEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in conjunction with the SEAS Scholarship Committee, will determine the applicant who will be nominated by SEAS. Once decisions have been made, applicants will be notified of their status.

Deadline

9 am Monday, October 27th, 2025