Inspiring Excellence - Staff Awards

Each spring Student Life recognizes professional staff for their contributions to fulfilling our mission to foster POWERful experiences and communities fundamental to student success. 

Nominations are accepted for five awards below. Four of these awards reflect our guiding principles and the fifth acknowledges that we are only able to succeed when we have great partners by our side. 

• Be Present Award 
  Recognizes individuals who are fully engaged and intentional in their work. Recipients build trust, collaboration, and belonging through active listening, thoughtful response, and authentic connection. 
• Care Deeply Award 
  Recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and care for others. Recipients help foster a community where people feel valued, supported, and seen. 
• Act Responsibly Award 
  Recognizes individuals who lead with integrity, accountability, and respect. Recipients make thoughtful decisions aligned with our mission and values, building trust across Student Life and the university. 
• Build Tomorrow Award 
  Recognizes individuals or teams who embrace innovation and forward-thinking approaches to enhance the student experience and strengthen our community. 
• Student Life Champion Award 
  Recognizes an individual or unit outside of Student Life who exemplifies our guiding principles through meaningful partnership, advocacy, and commitment to the student experience. 

Colleagues can nominate staff for awards by detailing how this individual demonstrates this award category in the form below. Nominations open Monday, February 16th, 2026, and should be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday, April 6th, 2026. Awardees will be recognized during a reception on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, during the Student Life Staff Summit. Directors and AVC roles are ineligible to be nominated for these awards.

Additionally, Dr. Anderson will select a person or unit from Student Life to receive the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Campus Impact. Recognition for this award will also take place at the May 13th reception.

Nominations open soon