Presidential Staff Awards

Honoring those who make Utah State University exceptional.

The Presidential Staff Awards recognize outstanding Utah State University staff members whose exceptional service, leadership, innovation, collaboration, and commitment make a meaningful difference at USU.

The Presidential Staff Awards will provide an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional contributions from staff at USU locations across the state.

Purpose

The Presidential Awards are designed to:

  • Celebrate excellence and exceptional contributions among USU staff.
  • Recognize impact that advances the university's mission and strategic priorities.
  • Highlight the values of Excellence, Ambition, Collaboration, Courage, Innovation, and Respect.
  • Strengthen a culture of appreciation and recognition across the university.
  • Increase engagement and inspire continued excellence among staff.

Award Categories

Excellence in Service & Collaboration
Recognizes an individual or team that exemplifies exceptional service, collaboration, and meaningful contributions that advance USU's mission. This award recognizes those who consistently go above and beyond, foster partnerships across departments or campuses, and create a positive and lasting impact on the university community.

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member or staff team

Innovation
Recognizes an individual, team, department, or program that demonstrates innovation through creative thinking, continuous improvement, or the implementation of new ideas that significantly benefit the university. This award recognizes innovation at both the individual and organizational level, including cross-functional teams that bring together expertise from across the university to develop solutions and create meaningful institutional impact. Program recipients may receive additional funding to support continued innovation and growth.

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member, team, department, or program

Student Impact
Recognizes an individual or team who demonstrates exceptional service, dedication, or innovative approach that has made a meaningful and measurable difference in the experience, success, or well-being of USU students. This award recognizes staff who go above and beyond to support students, remove barriers, foster meaningful connections, enhance the student experience, or contribute to student persistence and success. Impact is demonstrated through direct student support, mentorship, innovative programs, exceptional service, or initiatives that positively influence students across the university. 

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member or staff team

Respect
Recognizes an individual or team who has made a meaningful impact through acts of kindness, advocacy, or initiatives that promote positivity and respect within the campus or broader community. 

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member or staff team

Rising Star
Recognizes an early-career staff member who demonstrates extraordinary promise and has made significant contributions early in their USU journey, exemplifying ambition and potential for future excellence. 

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member with fewer than 5 years of continuous USU service

Career Achievement
Recognizes a staff member with long-term, impactful contributions to the institution, honoring their sustained excellence, dedication, and respect within the university community. 

Eligible Nominees


Individual staff member with 20+ years of distinguished service

Nomination & Selection Process

Who can nominate?

Nominations may be submitted by supervisors, colleagues, direct reports, or other members of the USU community who know the nominee's work.

How are recipients selected?


Nominations Open

October 1-November 15

Nominate an exceptional USU staff member or team.

 
 


Commitee Review

December-January

The selection commitee reviews and evaluates eligible nominations using established criteria and a standardized rubric.

 
 


Presidential Approval

February

Final recipients are recommended to and approved by President Mortensen.

 
 


Recipients Recognized

March

Presidential Award recipients are announced and recognized at the annual Staff Awards Luncheon.

A selection committee, comprised of the following ten members, will review the nominations:

  • President's Office Designee
  • Sr. Associate VP of HR, or Designee
  • Benefits Director
  • SEA President
  • One additional SEA member
  • VP of Statewide Campuses
  • At least one representative from each of the following:
    • Non-exempt employee
    • Exempt employee
    • Statewide employee
    • Extension employee

How are nominations evaluated?

Nominations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of Award Criteria - 35%
  • Impact on the University - 30%
  • Alignment with USU Values - 20%
  • Sustainability/Lasting Contribution - 15%

For the Career Achievement Award, nominations will be evaluated based on:

  • Career Impact - 35%
  • Sustained Excellence - 30%
  • Demonstrated Leadership Influence - 20%
  • Legacy at USU - 15%

Selection committee members will independently evaluate nominations using the standardized rubric. Final recommendations will consider both evaluation scores and committee discussion.

General Eligibility

Nominees must:

  • Be employed in a benefits-eligible staff position at USU.
  • Have completed at least one year of continuous employment by the nomination deadline.
  • Be in good employment standing at the time of nomination.
  • Meet any additional requirements specific to the award category.

award sticker

Recognition

Presidential Award recipients will receive:

  • A custom Presidential Award plaque
  • A custom USU commemorative coin
  • A monetary award of $3,000. If a team is selected the award will be split amongst the team or go toward a team activity.
  • Recognition at a university event
  • Additional opportunities for university-wide recognition

Nominate a Staff Member or Team

Know an exceptional USU staff member or team? Take a moment to recognize someone whose work makes a difference. Nominations are open from October 1-November 15.

Submit a Nomination

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Presidential Staff Awards Program, please contact Human Resources at hr@usu.edu or (435) 797-0122.

Program Note: Utah State University reserves the right to make changes to the Presidential Staff Awards program, including award categories, eligibility requirements, criteria, timelines, and award amounts, as needed.