Yale University and Howard University established the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society in 2005. Named for the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States (Ph.D. from Yale University in 1876), the Bouchet Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. Outside of the society’s founding universities, Yale and Howard, Cornell was among the earliest universities to establish a Chapter of the Bouchet Society with our first members inducted in 2006.

The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support and serve as examples of CLASS: Character, Leadership, Advocacy, Scholarship, and Service. In the spirit of Bouchet’s commitment to these pursuits both within and without the academic realm, inductees into the honor society exhibit these qualities and demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, access, and equity in the academy.

Bouchet Society Selection Timeline

• Early-December– Solicitation for applications from advanced doctoral candidates or postdocs who embody the characteristics of Dr. Bouchet as expressed through the five thrusts of the society: Character, Leadership, Advocacy, Scholarship, and Service. (Priority consideration is given to those who intend to pursue academic careers, are closest to their anticipated completion date, have a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in higher education, and are from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the academy.)
• Early-January– Completed applications and two letters of recommendation (at least one letter of recommendation must be from a faculty member) due on January 5, 2023.
• Mid-January – Selection of new scholars announced.
• March/April – Annual Yale Bouchet Conference on Diversity and Graduate Education.
• April – Induction of new scholars at Cornell.

All scholars also participate in ongoing professional development opportunities through the Graduate School Office of Inclusion & Student Engagement, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, and our partners.