Dr. Nicholas C. and Mary Katherine Leone Leadership Award
Overview:
The Dr. Nicholas C. and Mary Katherine Leone Leadership Award recognizes the essential contributions of university administrators whose leadership, dedication, and problem-solving help advance Utah State University’s programs and mission. Administrators play a vital role in organizing, motivating, and guiding the people and programs that make the University successful, yet their efforts and accomplishments may not always receive the recognition they deserve.
The award honors individuals serving in administrative roles who have made outstanding contributions to the University in areas such as research, teaching, management, or other specialized functions. The award may be given to anyone now active at the University, at the time of retirement, or a reasonable period following retirement.
Past Recipients:
- 1987 – Karen W. Morse
- 1988 – Bartell C Jensen
- 1989 – Rodney J. Brown
- 1990 – Larzette Hale
- 1991 – William F. Lye
- 1992 – Oral L. Ballam
- 1993 – Antone H. Bringhurst
- 1994 – Marvin G. Fifield
- 1995 – Bruce Bishop
- 1996 – Frank J. Redd
- 1997 – Izar A. Martinez
- 1998 – Robert C. Lamb
- 1999 – Don C. Smellie
- 2000 – Thomas S. Johnson
- 2001 – James A. MacMahon
- 2002 – Fred Hunsaker
- 2003 – Allan J. Steed
- 2004 – H. Paul Rasmussen
Criteria:
Criteria for selection of nominees may include:
- Demonstrated record of effective administrative leadership and strategic direction.
- Significant contributions to USU’s Land Grant mission in areas such as academic excellence, research, innovation, student success, Extension, and operational effectiveness.
- Evidence of mentorship and professional development that strengthen individual and collective success.
- Evidence of effective collaboration and relationship-building across the University.
- Demonstrated initiative and innovation in improving programs, processes, or operations.
- Evidence of positive and lasting impact in their area of responsibility.
- Demonstrated reliability, fairness, and thoughtful judgment.
Nomination Materials:
Submission Deadline: January 22, 2027
The following required nomination materials must be prepared in 12-point font and should show clear evidence of administrative leadership, preferably over a reasonable length of time.
- A letter of nomination describing the nominee’s administrative leadership, significant contributions, and impact on the University.
- A short CV that emphasizes the nominee’s administrative roles, leadership experience, and relevant accomplishments.
- Two letters of support from colleagues attesting to the nominee's impact on the University’s mission.
In addition, nominees may submit up to 10 additional pages of relevant supporting materials in 12-point font. Examples of such materials are below; these materials may be accompanied by annotations that direct the committee to relevant details.
- Documentation of programs or initiatives developed or improved.
- Evidence of improvements in organizational effectiveness or operations.
- Examples of successful collaborations or initiatives led.
- Documentation of the nominee’s sustained contributions to the University.
Additional required materials (not provided to the selection committee):
- A short biography (Written in third person, with a 150-300 word count)
- A professional portrait at least 1000 pixels high resolution, titled FirstName_LastName.jpg (not to be counted towards the 40 page total)
- A candid photo: landscape-orientation photo (1920X1080 minimum size) of nominee engaged in activity related to their nomination (teaching, working with students, doing research in the office, lab or field, etc.)
For more information on the Leone Leadership Award, please contact:
Nathan Laursen
Assistant Provost
Ivy Thompson
Program Coordinator