Thomas M. Scott, professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science and director emeritus of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), is a 2011 recipient of the President's Award for Outstanding Service. The award is presented each year in the spring and recognizes exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments, and service units by any active or retired faculty or staff member. Recipients of the award have gone well beyond their regular duties and have demonstrated an unusual commitment to the University community.

Scott served as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota from 1962 until his retirement in 2009, and was director of CURA for 31 years, from 1978 to 2009. In his letter of nomination, current CURA director Edward Goetz lauded Scott’s efforts to advance the urban and public engagement roles of the University, volunteer efforts in community affairs, contributions to University-wide strategic planning and visioning, and support for faculty participation in University governance. “Tom is an inspiration to all of us who care about the University,” Goetz remarked. “He is, I think, the very model of career-long commitment to the University of Minnesota.”

University President Robert Bruininks will honor Scott at a June 7 ceremony at Eastcliff.