Awards of Excellence

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Board of Trustees presents highest honor given to employees.

In an effort to recognize the outstanding achievement of faculty and staff at Utah Valley University, the Board of Trustees is currently accepting nominations for the Awards of Excellence.

Established in 2001, this award focuses on teaching, scholarship, administration, service, student support and the advancement of the university core themes. Full-time faculty, staff or executive members who have made significant contributions in these areas over the course of at least five years can be nominated by colleagues.

Members of the Board of Trustees review the nominations and have the job of choosing four award recipients from among the nominations. It’s a job that a member of the Board of Trustees, said is difficult.

“It is a difficult decision for two reasons,” said Board member, Janette Hales Beckham. “First, it’s difficult to reduce the number because there are so many who do excellent work and contribute significantly to the university. Second, it’s difficult to evaluate an individual’s accomplishments on paper.”

Ultimately, however, the job is rewarding, according to Beckham.

“Truthfully, it is uplifting to read about the nominees,” Beckham said. “At UVU I have observed an attitude of cooperation and contribution that exceeds the ordinary.”

According to Beckham, when it comes to what the Board is looking for, it comes down to excellence.

“We’re looking for an individual who goes beyond what is required of them in a normal job description,” Beckham said. “Some individuals, through their work and relationships, seem to create a culture of excellence where they inspire others, both colleagues and students, to greater excellence. That’s what you hope to find on paper.”

Along with a generous $3,000 financial award, recipients are given a certificate of excellence and honored at the UVU Celebration of Excellence Dinner and Awards Banquet held in the spring.

Nominations for the award are due by Jan.31, 2011 and must be turned in to Karen Olsen in the office of the president located in BA 214. A complete list of nomination requirements can be found online at www.uvu.edu/president.