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Commission for LGBT+ Communities Awards

The Chancellor’s Honors Banquet is held each spring to recognize students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Tennessee for their extraordinary achievements. Below is a list of awards specific to the Commission for LGBT+ Communities.


LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award

This award recognizes outstanding student leadership and contributions in educational, social, and/or political activism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. To nominate a student for this award, please complete and submit the nomination form along with a letter of nomination describing the nominee’s specific contributions in meeting the award criteria. A current bio of the nominee is requested along with the nomination form and letter.

Criteria include:

  • Demonstrating commitment to advancing respect and civility for LGBT+ communities on campus.
  • Making a notable impact through advocacy for the university’s LGBT+ population.
  • Maintaining eligibility through the review period. All graduate and undergraduate students in good standing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville are eligible for this award.
  • Prior winners are not eligible.
2023 Awardee: Joseph Winberry

LGBTQ+ Advocate Award

This award recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions in promoting an inclusive and safe campus climate that respects the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. To nominate a faculty or staff member for this award, please complete and submit the nomination form along with a letter of nomination describing the nominee’s specific contributions in meeting the award criteria. A current vita or bio of the nominee is requested along with the nomination form and letter.

Criteria include:

  • Demonstrating commitment to the advancement of LGBT+ interests on campus.
  • Making a notable impact through dedication to and support of the university’s LGBT+ population.
  • Maintaining eligibility through the review period. All University of Tennessee, Knoxville, employees in good standing, including administrators, faculty, exempt staff, and non-exempt staff are eligible for this award.
  • Prior winners are not eligible.
2023 Awardee: Joel Anderson