PURPOSE

The College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia established the Rising Scholars Postdoctoral Fellows Program in 2021, as  part of the university’s ongoing commitment to diversify UVA programs, the professoriate, and the academic workforce in general. The  goal of fellowship is to provide a mentored professional development opportunity to train the next generation of scholars for future tenure-track positions -- at UVA or elsewhere. Postdoctoral Fellows selected under this program engage in scholarship, creative, research, teaching and professional development activities that align with their preparation to successful transition to a tenure-track position. 

The fellowship is funded in part by a university-wide grant from the Mellon Foundation, and involves a competitive application process. Applicants have to demonstrate how their research, creative practice, and teaching center race, justice, and equity, specifically in relation to Black and Indigenous Studies of the United States.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT ​ 

Postdoctoral Fellows selected under this program carry out transformative, cross-disciplinary research, develop a strong teaching portfolio, and contribute to the understanding of the legacy of racial inequity using place-based methodologies. Their research, artistic expression, and teaching strengthen existing initiatives that address RJE issues. In addition to mentoring within departments, Fellows join a university-wide cohort for additional career development programs and opportunities.    

Postdoctoral Fellows funded under this program are appointed for two years contingent on a successful annual review. These are 12-month residential appointments in a host department which provides full research, teaching, and administrative support.  In addition to salary and benefits, the program provides a research fund allocation for each Fellow.     

CONTACTS 

For more information regarding the program, contact as Keisha John, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in Arts & Sciences, and Irtefa Binte-Farid, Associate Director for Community Development and Recruitment. 

Fellows

For more information about current and previous Rising Scholars, please click the links below.

Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Cohort 4