Purpose

This award was established to recognize annually a member of the Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) staff who has made distinguished contributions to the missions of the University of Minnesota and the School of Public Health.

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 P&A employment in the School of Public Health at the time of nomination. Nominees cannot hold a joint faculty appointment. Previous winners 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 for the University of Minnesota and the School of Public Health; or
• Outstanding contributions to the mission of the university in the areas of teaching, research, 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.

The nominator should submit a letter of no more than three pages presenting the full case for the nomination. This statement should include a brief job description delineating official responsibilities and duties, and evidence of work consistently above and beyond the nominee’s stated job requirements. The letter may include quotes from peers, colleagues, supervisors, administrators, students, alumni or other community members who have firsthand knowledge of the nominee’s experience.

Please submit the nominee’s current resume or curriculum vita that is no more than five pages.

To facilitate evaluation, please have one person act as the primary nominator, compiling all materials prior to submitting online for the review committee.

Excerpts from award recipient’s 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