Shawnee State University is a teaching institution. To acknowledge outstanding teaching for a new member of the faculty (1-3 years) the University Faculty Senate has established an annual award. 

Criteria for Early Service Faculty Award:  The criteria for Early Career Teaching Award is extraordinary dedication to teaching, which is demonstrated by excellence in the following areas: impact on and involvement with students; scholarly approach to teaching and learning; contribution to undergraduate education in the institution, community and profession; and support from colleagues, current and former students.