The Maya Angelou Award acknowledges Washington University postdoctoral researchers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in leadership and public service in improving the lives of Black communities through engaging in civic activities; serving local, national, or international communities; or demonstrating selflessness and compassion. This award is sponsored by the WashU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Nominations for the 2025 Maya Angelou Award will open Friday, February 7 and close Friday, March 14, 5pm CST.
On Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Maya Angelou was an award-winning and critically acclaimed poet, novelist, educator, producer, actress, dancer, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Born in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Angelou gained recognition with the publication of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1969. Throughout her life, Dr. Angelou promoted equality, equity, and self-empowerment of Black women and people of color. Dr. Angelou was honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.
The Maya Angelou Award for Postdoctoral Excellence in Leadership is a recognition that is part of WashU’s James E. McLeod Awards.
- WashU faculty, administrators, staff, and students may nominate a postdoctoral researcher for the Maya Angelou award. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Nominators must complete the nomination form with the required documentation.
- Deadline for nominations: Friday, March 14, 5pm CST
- Nominees must be current postdoctoral researchers (associates or scholars) at Washington University in St. Louis who demonstrate a commitment to:
- Attaining academic and research excellence towards the advancement of scholarship;
- Elevating the voices of Black communities through scholarship or service; and
- Promoting environments that are respectful, collegial, supportive, compassionate, and inspiring.
- To complete the nomination process, the nominator must submit a single pdf document containing:
- Nominee’s current CV or resume
- A short statement providing evidence of nominee’s leadership excellence, and commitment to: attaining academic and research excellence towards the advancement of scholarship; elevating the voices of Black communities through scholarship or service; and promoting environments that are respectful, collegial, supportive, compassionate, and inspiring. (500 word maximum)
- One letter of support from someone (other than the nominator) who can attest to the nominee’s character and how they meet the award criteria.
- The required documents must be submitted via the nomination form.
- Deadline for nominations: Friday, March 14, 5pm CST
| 2024 | Dr. Kaylee Arnold, Department of Biology & Living Earth Collaborative |
| 2023 | Dr. Kristin Kwakwa, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology |
The 2025 James E. McLeod Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Maya Angelou Award for Postdoctoral Excellence in Leadership will be presented during the 2025 James E. McLeod Honors & Awards Program. The event will be held on Monday, April 25, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm CT on the Danforth Campus.
More Information
For questions, please reach out to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc@wustl.edu.