President John T. Casteen, III named Law Prof. Robert E. Scott as this year's recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award at Friday's convocation ceremony at University Hall.
The award, which has been given to members of the University faculty and administration since 1955, is the University's highest honor. Award recipients exemplify Jefferson's ideals of Jefferson through their character and work.
"It is given to a member of the faculty or administration that is considered to have made some incredible accomplishment to the University," said Meghan Sullivan, Honor Committee chair and student member of the award selection committee.
Scott became part of the University faculty in 1974 and served as dean of the Law School from 1991 until 2001. In 2002, Scott returned to full-time teaching.
"He is not only a world class scholar, but he is also one of the best teachers that you could ever imagine," Law Prof. Charles Goetz said. "I think he's not the jack of all trades and the master of none, but exactly the opposite. He is the master of all trades in the academic arena."
During his time as dean, Scott raised extensive amounts in capital campaigns to fund projects for the Law School, including the renovation of the David A. Harrison, III Law Grounds and the construction of the meeting and dining center Scott Commons.
"In his deanship, he was an astonishingly good leader in every respect," Goetz said. "He went out and raised tremendous sums of money, which is important in maintaining the quality of any school."
The support of his colleagues and students is a significant aspect in receiving the award, Scott said.
"The Thomas Jefferson Award is the University's highest honor," Scott said. "It comes as a complete surprise to me but also as a great honor, and I am deeply appreciative. An award like this would not have occurred but for the kind words and strong support at the University and especially at the Law School, and that means a great deal to me."
Recipients of the award receive recognition and a cash prize funded by the Robert Earll McConnell Foundation.
A committee including 10 members of the University's faculty and staff as well as three student members -- Fourth Year Class President, Honor Committee Chair and Student Council President -- choose the award's recipient.
"Mr. Scott and all the nominees were absolutely outstanding," Sullivan said. "All the nominees have had some lasting impact on this place"
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