The Maya Angelou Award for Postdoctoral Excellence in Leadership 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 Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis.
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.
Nominations are open for the 2024 edition of the Maya Angelou Award for Postdoctoral Excellence in Leadership, a recognition that is part of Washington University’s James E. McLeod Awards.
Information for Nominators
- Washington University faculty, administrators, staff, and students may nominate a postdoctoral researcher. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- 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.
- Nominators must complete the nomination form on the James E. McLeod Awards website.
- Once a nomination has been received, the nominee will be notified and invited to complete the nomination process.
- Deadline for nominations: Friday, March 22, 5pm CST
Information for Nominees
- 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.
- When nominated, the postdoctoral researcher will receive an invitation to complete the nomination process for the award.
- To complete the nomination process, nominees must submit a single pdf document containing:
- Current CV or resume (2 pages maximum)
- An essay providing evidence of leadership excellence (500 words maximum)
- One strong letter of support from someone who can attest to the nominee’s character and how they meet the award criteria.
- The required documents must be uploaded to this dedicated WUSTL Box in a single pdf file named with the first and last name of the nominee (i.e., first-last.pdf).
- Deadline for completing the nomination process: Friday, March 29
The 2024 James E. McLeod Awards Ceremony
The 2024 Maya Angelou Award for Postdoctoral Excellence in Leadership will be awarded during the 2024 James E. McLeod Honors & Awards Program. The event will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 pm CT in May Auditorium in Simon Hall, located on the Danforth Campus.
More Information
Visit the official award website for more information and to view past award recipients.
For questions, please reach out to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc@wustl.edu.