The Premier Awards are the highest honors given by The University of Alabama.  The University Awards Committee welcomes applications and supported nominations for The University of Alabama's four Premier Awards.  Any student, faculty member, staff member, or campus organization may encourage students to apply or may submit for non-student award nominations supported by letters and other materials describing the nominees' qualifications.  Individuals who believe they are qualified are also encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications and nominations is 5:00pm on Wednesday January 16, 2008 to the Office of the Dean of Students, 230 Ferguson Center. You are allowed to apply for one (1) award. Application Instructions and Helpful Hints

  • One Junior (a member of next academic year's graduating class).
  • Honors a student who has improved relations among disparate groups. Past recipients have been chosen primarily for improving understanding and interaction among groups.
  • The essay should focus on the University groups of which you have been a part and offer specific examples of your promotion of better understanding among diverse individuals and groups.
  • In the past, the award has been approximately $2,000.00
  • GPA minimum 3.0 and in good judicial standing.
  • Application

  • One Junior (a member of next academic year's graduating class)
  • Honors students with broad humanistic interests who has exerted a positive influence on his or her contemporaries. The Ramsey Award honors a distinctive kind of excellence. It is not merely a service, leadership, or academic award, although recipients have - by their contributions to the University, their spirit of cooperation, and their academic achievements - demonstrated their abilities in these areas. Rather, the Ramsey Award is intended to recognize the versatility of gifts and attainments, as well as the breadth of excellence in mind and character, that have traditionally been the goals of a liberal education. This monetary and travel award is given annually to a student enrolled full time at the U of A who has achieved a 3.3 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  • Because versatility is an important component of the Ramsey Award, the essay should demonstrate breadth, as well as depth, in academic and nonacademic pursuits.
  • This award includes a trip to Europe and a cash sum totaling $5000.00.
  • GPA minimum 3.3 and in good judicial standing.
  • Website about John Fraser Ramsey.
  • Application

  • One graduating Senior and one teaching faculty recipient
  • Recognizes one member of this academic year's graduating class and one member of the teaching faculty who exemplify the life of Morris L. Mayer: selfless and significant service and leadership for the U of A community, significant contributions to student life, and integrity. In addition, student nominees must have minimum grade point averages of 3.3 at the U of A.
  • The essay should include your definition of "community and civic service."  Your discussion of your significant contributions to the quality of life of the student community should incorporate that view of and civic service.
  • In the past, the award has been approximately $ 1,000.00.
  • Student recipients of the Mayer Award also will have the option of participating in a six to 10 week paid internship focusing on public service under the mentorship of the current or a prior faculty recipient of the Mayer Award.
  • GPA minimum 3.3 and in good judicial standing.
  • Application
  • Non-Student Application

  • Two Graduating Seniors and one non-student winner
  • Recognizes excellence of character and service to humanity. The award honors one man and one woman of this academic year's graduating class as well as one non-student. The recipients of the award have demonstrated the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. 
  • Considered to be the highest honor the University offers, and is recognized nation wide.
  • Recognizes the practical application of noble ideals and is based on excellence of character and service to humanity.
  • The essay should include your definition of "character." Your discussion of your significant contributions to the University and the community should incorporate that view of character.
  • GPA minimum 3.0 and in good judicial standing.
  • Application
  • Non-Student Application

  •  One graduating senior
  • Recognizes the most outstanding student scholar at UA based on GPA, rigor of course study, and extraordinary scholarly or creative endeavor
  • Minimum GPA of 3.9 and in good judicial standing
  • The essay should make the case that the applicant/nominee is the most outstanding student scholar at UA based on the above criteria.
  • The award includes a cash sum totaling at least $1,000
  • Application