Jackson Rigney International Service Award
The next call for nominations will open in fall 2025
Purpose
This award recognizes the distinguished contributions of NC State faculty and staff members in the areas of international service, research collaboration or capacity sharing over the course of their careers.
About Jackson Rigney
Dr. Jackson A. Rigney was an agronomist of great energy and generosity of spirit who served the university for forty years. He brought a global perspective to his life and work, which served as a model for those who seek to promote international programs. Dr. Rigney was Chief of the NC State Research Mission to Peru and received the Official Order of Merit from the president of Peru. He embraced an ethic of service that extended well beyond professional and academic duties. The Jackson Rigney International Service Award fund was established to honor his memory and to recognize and support others who carry on in the same tradition of international service and cooperation.
Award
Recipients of the Jackson Rigney International Service Award receive a plaque and $1,000 to advance their global work. Recipients are recognized each year at the Global Engagement Honors & Awards Luncheon in April.
Eligibility
This award recognizes faculty or staff members who have demonstrated distinguished international service throughout their careers, with particular recognition for those whose international research collaborations and scholarly activities have significantly contributed to global understanding and NC State’s international reputation. Nominees must be active, full-time faculty or staff employed by NC State.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate exceptional achievement in international service and/or research, with emphasis on:
1. International Research and Scholarly Collaboration
- Sustained record of significant international research partnerships that have advanced knowledge and global understanding
- Cross-border initiatives that enhance NC State’s global research network and visibility
- Collaborative projects that address global challenges through interdisciplinary or cross-cultural approaches
- Capacity building activities that strengthen international research infrastructure or partnerships
- Leadership in establishing productive collaborations with international institutions, researchers or organizations
- Publications, creative works or other scholarly activities with global reach and impact
- Mentorship of international students, scholars or researchers that contributes to global knowledge exchange
- Recognition by international academic communities for research excellence and collaborative leadership
2. International Service
- Demonstrated commitment to integrating international perspectives, colleagues and activities into teaching, research, outreach or other work areas
- Service to international professional organizations, academic societies or other global initiatives
- Contributions to international policy development, capacity building or knowledge transfer
- Leadership roles that have enhanced NC State’s global partnerships and reputation
- Long-term commitment to promoting international understanding through academic and professional service
Additional Considerations
The selection committee will also consider:
- Evidence of sustained impact over multiple years of international engagement
- Innovation in developing new models for international collaboration in research or service
- Contributions that have opened new opportunities for NC State students, faculty or programs
- Integration of international perspectives into research or service activities
- External recognition or honors received for international contributions
Sponsorship
The Jackson Rigney International Service Award is sponsored by the Office of Global Engagement. Funding for the award is provided through the Jackson A. Rigney International Endowment in the North Carolina State University Foundation.
Selection Process
The call for nominations is announced each fall by the Office of Global Engagement. Selection committee members review all nominations and announce the recipient at the spring Global Engagement Honors & Awards Luncheon.
Nomination Instructions
Nominations must include the following materials:
- Completed nomination form that clearly illustrates the nominee’s outstanding contributions to collaborative research and/or international service. Please click here to access the nomination form.
- Nomination letter that outlines the nominee’s qualifications and distinguished achievements in international service, with particular attention to international research collaborations, scholarly partnerships and their impact on global understanding and NC State’s international reputation. Nomination letters should come from the nominee’s college Dean, Associate Dean, or department chair and not exceed 2 pages in length.
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae that demonstrates the depth and breadth of international research collaborations, publications, service and recognition over the course of their career.
- Supporting documentation (optional but encouraged) such as letters from international collaborators, evidence of impact, or other materials that illustrate the nominee’s exceptional contributions.
Important Dates
- Nomination opens: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Nomination deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Award announcement & ceremony: April 15, 2026
