Anna Smith
Year: 2024
Department: Information Technology
Achievement: Led the campuswide migration to a cloudbased learning management system, improving uptime by 99.8%.
About the Award
The UNCW Staff Award for Excellence recognizes nonfaculty employees whose dedication, creativity, and impact embody the universitys mission of teaching, research, and service. Established in 2015, the award celebrates individuals who go beyond the call of duty to improve campus life, support student success, and advance the institutions strategic goals.
Each academic year, a selection committee composed of senior administrators, faculty representatives, and past award recipients evaluates nominations and selects one honoree. The recipient receives a commemorative plaque, a $1,000 honorarium, and an invitation to present a brief address at the annual Staff Recognition Celebration.
Eligibility & Criteria
All fulltime, parttime, and temporary staff members employed by UNCW are eligible, provided they have completed at least one year of continuous service. The award focuses on the following performance dimensions:
- Innovation: Introduction of new ideas, processes, or technologies that improve efficiency or service quality.
- Impact: Tangible outcomes that benefit students, colleagues, or the broader university community.
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor, guide teams, or champion initiatives.
- Collaboration: Successful partnerships across departments, colleges, or external organizations.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Efforts that advance an inclusive campus environment.
Note: The award is not limited to a single job category; excellence may be shown by administrative assistants, IT staff, facilities personnel, librarians, and many others.
Nomination Process
1. Submit a Nomination Form
Nominees are recommended through an online form hosted on the UNCW Intranet. The form requires:
- Nominees name, title, and department.
- Nominators name and contact information.
- A concise description (max 300 words) of the nominees achievements.
- Specific examples that illustrate each of the award criteria.
- Optional supporting documents (photos, testimonials, data reports).
2. Review Timeline
Nomination windows open on September 1 and close on October 15. The selection committee meets in early November to review submissions and shortlist candidates. Final decisions are announced by December 1.
3. Confidentiality & ConflictofInterest
The process is strictly confidential. Committee members must disclose any personal or professional relationship with a nominee and recuse themselves if a conflict exists.
Past Winners (20152024)
The following staff members have been honored for their outstanding contributions:
Marc Lee
Year: 2023
Department: Facilities Management
Achievement: Implemented a sustainable wastereduction program that cut landfill waste by 35%.
Lisa Garcia
Year: 2022
Department: Student Affairs
Achievement: Developed a peermentoring network that increased firstyear retention by 4%.
John Kim
Year: 2021
Department: Library Services
Achievement: Created a virtual research assistance chatbot, reducing reference desk wait times by 50%.
For a complete list of honorees and their stories, visit the official archive.
Contact & More Information
Questions about the award, nomination guidelines, or the selection process can be directed to the Staff Recognition Office:
- Email: staffawards@uncw.edu
- Phone: (910) 9871234
- Office: Room 225, Administration Building
Stay updated on upcoming nomination periods by following the UNCW News Center or subscribing to the staff newsletter.
