Call for Michael F. Bassman Honors College Research Award 2023 Guidelines

The Michael F. Bassman Honors College Research Award was established in 2010 to recognize excellence in research and writing by students in ECU’s Honors College. The award, in the amount of $500, is sponsored by Academic Library Services and honors Dr. Michael F. Bassman, named the first Distinguished Honors Professor Emeritus after previously serving as Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the Honors Program.

Theses/projects will be judged on the quality of the research and the quality of the writing. The award recipient will exemplify the ideals of the Honors College – strong character, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to academic success. The winner’s coursework and extracurricular activities will also reflect Dr. Bassman’s belief in the value of a liberal education. 

Honors College theses/projects successfully submitted in Summer 2022, December 2022 or Spring 2023 are eligible. Theses/projects must be completed by the submission date to be considered. Award submissions are due by Friday March 24, 2023.

Theses/research projects must be submitted by the student’s thesis/project advisor, with the student’s permission. The advisor should also submit a paragraph attesting to the quality of the work and the student’s exemplification of the Honors College ideals. Additional letters of faculty support may be submitted but are not required. For additional details and submission requirements see:

The winner will be notified by April 5, 2023 and will receive a cash award of $500. The winner also will be recognized at the Honors College Medallion Ceremony in Spring 2023.

CONTACT: For questions, please contact Bryna Coonin, Coordinator, Michael F. Bassman Honors Thesis/Project Award, at cooninb@ecu.edu or 252-626-9704.