Purpose

The Judy Peterson Staff Excellence Award was established to recognize a staff member who has made distinguished contributions to the missions of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, as well as their division and/or work group.

The Award

The recipient’s achievements will be commemorated with a plaque, a permanent display in the school’s administrative offices, and a cash award of $1,500. No more than one award will be given in any single year. The award will be presented at the annual School of Public Health Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration.

Eligibility

Nominees must have at least three years of Civil Service or AFSCME employment in the School of Public Health at the time of nomination. Previous winners of this award are not eligible for a second award.

Nominator

To nominate someone for this award, you must be a member of the School of Public Health faculty or staff.

Evaluation Criteria

Successful nominees will demonstrate elements such as:

• A sustained record of excellence
• Extraordinary initiative, skill, or creativity in their work
• Outstanding contributions to the support of the mission of the university in the area of teaching, research, and/or outreach

Nomination Process

Annual awards nominations for the 2025-2026 academic year should be submitted through the online nomination form. The submission deadline is April 6, 2026.

Nominations must include the following documentation:

• A nomination letter that is no more than three pages which states the full case for nomination. The statement should include a brief job description delineating official responsibilities and duties, and evidence of work consistently above and beyond expectations of their job responsibilities.
• The letter may include quotes from peers, colleagues, supervisors, administrators, students, alumni or other community members who have firsthand knowledge of the nominee’s performance.

Excerpts from award recipients’ nomination letters may be read at the awards ceremony. Following the ceremony, the winner will receive a complete copy of the nomination submission.

Previous Recipients