Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society

Portrait of Bouchet

In 2019, the Laney Graduate School became a member of the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which is named after the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States (Physics, Yale University, 1876), Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet. The Society acknowledges outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes inclusive excellence coupled with access and opportunity in doctoral education and the professoriate. It is a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve. 

To be considered for admission into Emory's chapter and the national chapter, scholars must be in good academic standing, have entered candidacy, and intend to pursue academic careers with a future commitment to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in higher education. The application is closed, will reopen in late Fall of 2025 for the 2026 Bouchet cohort.  

Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Scholars

Eligibility Requirements

Bouchet Graduate Honor Society scholars serve as examples of CLASS:

  1. Character
  2. Leadership
  3. Advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy
  4. Scholarship
  5. Service

In the spirit of Dr. Bouchet’s commitment to these ideals, Bouchet Graduate Honor Society scholars must demonstrate significant achievement in those five areas. 

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Graduate Scholars: Be a full-time doctoral student in good standing, have completed coursework, and have advanced to candidacy. 
  • Postdoctoral Fellows: Hold a PhD received in the last six years and must not be graduating or ending their appointment before December 2025. 
  • Applicants must demonstrate the embodiment of the five CLASS areas and be available to attendthe entireAnnual Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Conference in New Haven, CT, from April 4-6, 2025.

Applications are encouraged from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, international scholars, and undocumented scholars. 

Application Information

A complete application includes:

  1. Current CV, Resume, or Biosketch 
  2. Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages) explaining how you embody Dr. Bouchet’s values and the mission of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. 
  3. Commitment to Excellence Statement (1-2 pages) outlining your commitment to inclusive excellence, coupled with access and opportunity inacademia.  
  4. Emory Transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable, for graduate students only)
  5. Letter of Recommendation from your academic advisor, PI, or supervisor detailing how you embody the five CLASS areas. 

Statements should be in an 11-point font, single-spaced, with normal margins. 

Application Tips:

Priority will be given to applicants who align with one of the following: 

  • Demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in higher education through their work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. 
  • Plan to pursue a traditional academic career. 

Submission Instructions

For Doctoral Students: Apply through the Advanced Fellowship form in theLaney Connect Hub, using your Emory credentials.

For Postdoctoral Fellows: Use the dedicated postdoc application form available here.

If you are a postdoc taking courses as a special standing in the Laney Graduate School, use the postdoc version of the form. 

If you encounter any issues with the application, contact laneygs@emory.edu for assistance.

Selection Process

A selection committee led by the Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement will review applications and conduct brief interviews with selected applicants. Up to 10 scholars will be chosen. 

Award Notifications

Notice of the selected scholars will be sent in February.

Questions

For questions, please contact Laney EDGE at laney.edge@emory.edu.