Supporting Research in Social Studies / Social Sciences

Established in 2023, this planned gift was created through a partnership between Marilyn A. Rice, the University of North Texas, and the UNT Foundation, Inc.

About Marilyn A. Rice

Marilyn’s vision was that this award would empower teachers with the skills and techniques needed to prepare tomorrow’s citizens for fulfilling lives and for success in solving the challenges of their world. 

She believed this mission is even more critical today than it was in 1966, echoing the challenge once posed by her principal:

“Do something about it! I’ll support you.”

Through this endowment, Marilyn ensures that UNT continues to rise to that challenge—supporting educators and shaping the future.

Purpose of the Endowment

This endowment provides funding to faculty within the College of Education (COE) to support research and creative activities that empowers teachers with the skills that they need to support the next generation of learners. Successful proposals will emphasize how the proposed work will: 

  • Use teaching strategies grounded in research inquiry that improve student outcomes/success
  • Measure the success of the proposed activity in terms of student outcomes/success
  • Improve educator workforce readiness and how this will be measured
  • Be scaled up to broadly impact the entire COE and/or the DFW region (where appropriate)
  • Be used to support future external grant submission and/or other alternative revenue generating activity
This award can support a wide range of activities, including: faculty research and scholarly activities, conference/presentation travel associated with a funded project, graduate/undergraduate research stipend. These grants are designed to complement not replace external funding, so a successful application will note how this initial funding will lead to additional funding and/or alternative revenue generating activities.

 Eligibility and Requirements

PI Eligibility

faculty appointment in COE (tenure line, research line, or clinical line)

Budget Considerations

Funding range is generally $5,000 to 10,000 per request. Please note that these funds cannot be used for conference travel (only allowed when associated with a funded project), salaries for faculty, salaries for students, publication page charges, open access fees, or course releases.

Time to Complete Project
12-months from date of award

Expectations for Funded Projects

External Grant Proposal Submission

It is expected that you will submit an external grant submission and/or fully implement your alternative revenue generating activity within 15-months from the award date.

Dissemination of Findings

It is expected that you will present and/or publish the results of the grant project within 12-months from the award date.

Acknowledgment of Funding Source
All creative works generated as a result of internal funding should reference the COE-Marilyn A. Rice Research Endowment as the source of funding.
Research Service Expectation
Serve on COE review committees to review future proposals

Deadline for Submission

Proposals will be accepted on a continuous basis until annual program funds are expended. It is anticipated that up to 4 awards may be available annually.