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About Dee Grants

The Dee Endowment for the Enhancement of Teaching was established to fund teaching projects in the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts and College of Humanities. The Council of Dee Fellows, a representative group of faculty members nominated by the Colleges and elected by the Council, annually distributes grants that infuse new energy and teaching techniques into the educational experience at the University.

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Past Recipients

The past recipients of Council of Dee Fellows grants represent thoughtful approaches to teaching, taking to heart the goal to ensure learners learn effectively.

Meet our Recipients

How to Apply

The Council of Dee Fellows invites applications that directly benefit students and the student experience while providing immediate impacts and potential long-term benefits to teaching and learning. Successful projects promote innovative interdisciplinary educational programs, foster community engagement, and promote the university’s commitment to access and diversity.

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Dee Council Fellows Process

The Council for the Thomas D. Dee II Endowment for Teaching Excellence in the Colleges of Fine Arts and Humanities seeks two to three new fellows each year to replace outgoing members. This year's co-chairs Brenda Van der Wiel, Theatre and Chrisoula Andreou, Philosophy will cycle off the council on June 30, 2026.

Our continuing fellows thru 2026-2027 are Kevin Coe, Communication; Jessica Rudman, School of Music; and, Jacqueline Sheean, World Languages & Cultures, and we welcome new fellows Romeo García from Writing and Rhetoric Studies and Chris Lippard from Film and Media Arts.

All tenure-line faculty members in areas not currently represented on the Council are eligible for self-nomination. Nominations to the council should demonstrate achievements in teaching excellence. Fellows receive a $3,000 honorarium for their service but are not eligible to apply for Dee Grants during their term of service. Fellows must agree to serve a full, three‐year term.

The Council is accepting nominees from the following departments and schools:

College of Humanities

  • Department of English
  • Department of History
  • Department of Linguistics
  • Department of Philosophy

College of Fine Arts

  • School of Dance
  • Department of Art & Art History
  • Department of Theatre

The nomination packet must include:

  1. A 1-page letter of intent expressing nominee's interest in serving on the Council
  2. Current short‐form CV (5-page max)
  3. Letter of support from chair/director of department/school

All submitted materials should highlight the nominee’s experience and expertise in the area of teaching.

Nomination packets are due 6:00 PM MST, February 24, 2026.

Submit your completed applications in a combined .pdf formant to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Questions? E-mail John Boyack or call 801-587-7351.

Our History

A quiet leader, Thomas D. Dee II was a community builder with a wide range of civic and business interests. As a man of vision and foresight, he had an eye for the new and a commitment to making a difference.

Learn More About the Dee Family