Integrated Scholars at Texas Tech

What defines an "Integrated Scholar"?

Integrated Scholars are faculty and students who dedicate themselves to a course of lifelong learning and advance Texas Tech's role in educating, serving and inspiring others to do the same.

Using the metaphor of the "triple threat," (i.e., in football, the player who excels in running, kicking, and passing; in the performing arts, artists who are great at acting, dancing, and singing), we note parallel academicians who are not only outstanding in teaching, research and service, but are also able to generate synergy among the three functions. Faculty members who are Integrated Scholars consistently promote active learning and infuse the results of their research and scholarship in courses and other learning experiences. Integrated Scholars publish results of their teaching innovations in peer-reviewed journals. Finally, Integrated Scholar faculty members plan and execute service commitments to complement their teaching and research goals.

The concept of integrated scholarship also is exemplified in students who, akin to many faculty members, are flourishing as they pursue a course of lifelong learning through self-study and scholarly engagement both within and external to the campus environs. The partnership model for student learning—in which students work collaboratively with faculty members, other students, and members of society—has tremendous potential for advancement both personally and professionally. The integrated scholarship model we see for students also embraces modes of active learning, including service learning and internships, undergraduate and graduate research, and study abroad experiences and learning. Moreover, we suggest that when students adopt a commitment to lifelong learning, active learning, and integrated scholarship, a synergy among these efforts provides powerful benefits as future scholars, professionals, and leading citizens of our world community.

How are the Integrated Scholar honorees chosen?

It is inspiring to think about Texas Tech faculty members and students who display characteristics of Integrated Scholars. Each year the provost works with the academic deans to develop lists of faculty members and students who exemplify the Integrated Scholar concept.. By crafting such lists, there is the risk overlooking many who have significant claims to integrated scholarship. However, it is the provost's hope to add to the list yearly, thereby highlighting many others who deserve the honored designation.