The Next Generation of Research Leaders
The SGS Fellowship for Excellence is one of the School of Graduate Studies’ premier recruitment awards, created to attract and support exceptional incoming Ph.D. students at Rutgers University. The fellowship is grounded in three core priorities: academic excellence, research innovation, and leadership potential.
Awardees are selected for their demonstrated scholarly achievement, capacity to advance innovative research, and promise to contribute as future leaders within their disciplines and the broader academic and professional community. The fellowship provides comprehensive support during the first year of doctoral study through SGS and requires a sustained commitment from the admitting program to support the fellow through the remainder of the doctoral program. This shared investment strengthens recruitment, advances research excellence, and supports the development of outstanding doctoral scholars at Rutgers.
Fostering a Community of Excellence Scholars
Beyond financial support, SGS is committed to fostering a deliberate and connected community of Excellence Scholars. Fellows will be brought together through structured opportunities designed to build cohort identity, encourage interdisciplinary exchange, and support long-term academic and professional success. These initiatives may include an annual welcome event, curated professional development programming, and opportunities to engage with faculty, alumni, and peers across disciplines.
By cultivating a visible and engaged community of Excellence Scholars, SGS aims to reinforce a shared commitment to scholarly rigor, innovation, and leadership, while creating enduring networks that support fellows throughout their doctoral journey and beyond.
Tracking Scholar Progress and Long-Term Impact
SGS will systematically track Excellence Scholars throughout their doctoral tenure and into their early careers to assess the impact of the fellowship and inform continuous improvement. This longitudinal approach will examine key indicators of doctoral success, including academic progress, research productivity, time to degree, and post-graduation outcomes.
By combining institutional data with ongoing engagement and alumni connection, SGS will build an evidence-based understanding of how the Fellowship for Excellence supports scholarly development and career trajectories. This commitment to assessment and outcomes ensures that the fellowship remains a strategic investment in doctoral excellence and institutional impact at Rutgers.