WILBUR S. SMITH DISTINGUISHED TRANSPORTATION EDUCATOR AWARD

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to recognize an educator (typically a professor) who has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation profession by relating academic studies to the actual practice of transportation.  The award seeks to recognize transportation educators that help their students advance their professional development, enhance their opportunities to network with  practicing transportation professionals, and become active participants in the profession.

Eligibility

• The nominee must be or have been employed by an accredited college/ university to teach undergraduate and/ or graduate courses in transportation.
• The nominee must have provided students with the opportunity to relate their coursework in transportation with the actual practice of transportation. The following list includes examples of such programs:

1. Visits to agencies and firms
2. Guest lecturers
3. Participation in meetings of transportation associations
4. Exposure to current transportation policy issues
5. Encouraging and helping to identify opportunities for part time and/or summer employment
6. Undertaking community service projects to address current transportation issues

• The nominee should have provided students with knowledge, skills, and values, which as professionals will allow them to anticipate needs and harness innovative, cost-effective technologies to solve future problems.

Award

Award will consist of a trophy or plaque, given at the ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibition Awards Luncheon and a free registration to the meeting along with a guest ticket to the Awards Luncheon, and recognition in ITE Journal.

Required Submission Materials

The nomination should include the following required documentation:

• A two-page (minimum) statement addressing how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria using specific examples as support.
• The nominee’s CV or comprehensive resume.
• Any additional documentation is optional.
• Nominations must be submitted electronically as one PDF by March 1 via https://ite-awards.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/home. If you have questions, please email awards@ite.org.

Award recipient shall be decided by a selection panel—and a voting Secretary who will be an ITE staff member—of six members made up of representatives designated by the following groups:

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
• The Eno Center for Transportation, Inc.
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• Transportation Research Board (TRB)

Judging Criteria

25 points – Significance of student exposure to transportation experience

25 points –  Demonstrated impact is shown from individual’s involvement

25 points –  Exhibits a commitment to the advancement of the profession

25 points – Applies innovative ideas to profession/volunteer role