Dean’s Honored Graduates
The highest honor a CNS student can earn, this title is awarded to approximately 25-30 students a year, representing the top 1% of each spring’s graduating class.
The College of Natural Sciences Dean’s Honored Graduate Award recognizes graduating students exemplifying the values of our college. Many students who have been selected for this honor are chosen for their amazing array of accomplishments while at UT. They have done spectacular research; furthered the college’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; created start-up companies; earned (inter)national awards like Goldwater, Truman, Churchill, Rhodes, Marshall, and NSF Graduate Fellowships; have high academic GPAs; or have performed significant service to the University or College while here. The reasons for designating someone a DHG can be many, but in all cases, they embody the highest ideals of the College.

Student nominations are accepted from faculty only, and are coordinated across faculty at the departmental level to make sure no deserving student is missed. Each department should gather the testimonials necessary from across the faculty in your department, and ensure that a high-quality letter is addressed to Interim Associate Dean, Dr. Michael Drew, in nomination of the student.
Dean’s Honored Graduate nominations are reviewed holistically, including review by the college’s faculty advisors and college leadership.
The college will confirm the graduation status of all nominated Dean’s Honored Graduates.
Nominations for 2023 are now closed.