The University Staff Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes the vital role our staff play in the successful operation of the School of Education. Their work not only supports our faculty, students, and School but also the communities we serve.
Two monetary awards will be presented to recognize the achievements and contributions of our impressive University Staff. These awards are made possible by a generous gift from the Charles Read Recognition Fund.
Eligibility
- Any university staff employee of the School of Education who has made an exemplary contribution to the operation of the School, department, center, program, or other unit within the School is eligible
- Nominees may be from any area and must have had at least a half-time appointment in the School for three years
Submission
Nominations are due Friday, February 13, 2026. Submit nominations in one of the following ways:
- Online Nomination Form (upload digital files of supporting documents)
- Email to Events Manager
Review & Selection
All nominations will be reviewed by a committee of School of Education peers. Award recipients will be recognized at the State of the School and a private reception on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Questions
Contact our Events Manager
Award Criteria
- Outstanding performance on the job; promoting the image of the department or university through continued contacts with those being served
- Consistently promoting excellence in themselves and colleagues
- Initiating or recommending innovative ideas that are implemented and result in better service or efficiency
- Exhibiting grace under pressure
Nomination Procedures
The nomination packet* should include the following:
- Letter of nomination containing highlights of the nominee’s career and why they should be considered for this award.
- Letter(s) of support (at least one, no more than three)
- It should make clear to someone outside the nominee’s unit why the work is outstanding
- Neither the Dean nor any member of the review committee may nominate or write a letter of support
- The most effective letters of support will come from someone familiar with the nominee’s work and will contain a detailed analysis of how the person meets the award criteria; these might come from faculty and staff coworkers, clients, students, or supervisors
*Nominations remain active for two years beyond the year of submission.