Faculty and Staff Awards

The Wellstar College at KSU annually acknowledges exceptional contributions made from faculty and staff. Faculty members are recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and professional service, while staff members are honored for their dedication and innovation. These current and past awards highlight the commitment to excellence and dedication within the Wellstar College community.

Faculty Awards

The Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) Faculty Awards Program promotes and rewards outstanding contributions by faculty members in the college. 

Awards will be given annually. Applicants self-nominate for all awards and will need to upload all required material into the portal. The winner will be determined by the Wellstar College Awards committee which is comprised of an elected member from each academic unit within the college. The committee reserves the right not to designate an award winner. Only Wellstar College award winners will be submitted for consideration in the same category for the KSU Faculty Awards.

  • The Outstanding Teaching Award acknowledges strong commitment to teaching and student success; excellence in teaching practices that reflect the highest standards of pedagogy; a record of outstanding teaching effectiveness within and outside the classroom; effective course design or program development; and the ability to inspire, promote, and sustain students’ intellectual growth emphasizing independent inquiry and critical thinking.

    Award Criteria:

    The WCHHS Awards Committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

    • Are strongly committed to teaching and learning. This commitment might be demonstrated through activities designed to advance the quality and practice of teaching and learning, and/or to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
    • Use effective teaching strategies to enhance student learning, including, but not limited to innovative uses of technology, active learning, High-Impact Practices, and assessment.
    • Have a strong commitment to fostering the academic success of students through interaction with students outside of the classroom (e.g., advising, mentoring, recruiting, etc.).

    See the KSU “Faculty Awards” website for some examples of persuasive evidence that may be included, as well as evaluation criteria the Awards Committee will utilize.

    Eligibility:

    Any full-time teaching faculty is eligible to be nominated for the award. Administrators with faculty rank are ineligible for faculty awards (i.e., receives a Contract for Faculty Ranked Administrators). Previous award winners of this award (under any of its previous names) are not eligible to apply again. The award recipient must be under contract at KSU when the award is presented.

    Award Amount:

    Each award consists of $500.

    Number and Frequency of Awards:

    One (1) award will be presented annually, selected based on the qualifications of nominees.

    Application Requirements and Process:

    Applicants self-nominate for the award and submit all required material. The winner will be determined by the WCHHS Awards Committee, which is comprised of a member from each department within the college. The Awards Committee reserves the right not to designate an award winner.

    Please Note: WCHHS Outstanding Teaching Award winners will be submitted to the WCHHS Dean for eligibility for university awards. Additional materials may be required for university award packets.

    Nomination packets should include:

    • A completed submission form.
    • A 3–5-page summary statement by the nominee highlighting their excellence in teaching in relation to the award criteria. The summary must be created using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.
    • A condensed curriculum vitae (2-3 pages).
    • Any appendix materials useful to build the case.
    • All materials must be compiled into a single pdf document.
    • The packet must not exceed 10 pages.

    Submission Procedures:

    SUBMIT FACULTY DOCUMENTATION
    • Deadline: Second Friday in January
    • Notification of winners will be made two weeks after the stated deadline for submission

  • The Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award is designed to encourage, reward, and publicly acknowledge sustained excellence in research and creative activity by members of the WCHHS’s faculty. The award recognizes excellence in the visual and performing arts, in the publication of scholarly work, in the completion of research and sponsored projects, and in the development of new and innovative ideas in research and creative activity.

    Award Criteria:

    The WCHHS Awards Committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

    • Demonstrate a sustained record of research or creative activity.
    • Demonstrate an impact on their field of study.

    See the KSU “Faculty Awards” website for some examples of persuasive evidence that may be included, as well as evaluation criteria the Awards Committee will utilize.

    Eligibility:

    Any full-time teaching faculty is eligible to be nominated for the award. Administrators with faculty rank are ineligible for faculty awards (i.e., receives a Contract for Faculty Ranked Administrators). Previous award winners of this award (under any of its previous names) are not eligible to apply again. The award recipient must be under contract at KSU when the award is presented.

    Award Amount:

    Each award consists of $500.

    Number and Frequency of Awards:

    One (1) award may be presented annually, selected based on the qualifications of nominees.

    Application Requirements and Process:

    Applicants self-nominate for the award and submit all required material. The winner will be determined by the WCHHS Awards Committee, which is comprised of a member from each department within the college. The Awards Committee reserves the right not to designate an award winner.

    Please Note: WCHHS Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award winners will be submitted to the WCHHS Dean for eligibility for university awards. Additional materials may be required for university award packets.

    Nomination packets should include:

    • A completed submission form.
    • A 3–5-page summary statement by the nominee highlighting their scholarly and creative achievements in relation to the award criteria. References to the recognition of the nominee's research or creative activity should also be included. This includes reviews, citations, citation index, external funding, and previous awards. The summary must be created using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.
    • A condensed curriculum vitae (2-3 pages).
    • Any appendix materials useful to build the case.
    • All materials must be compiled into a single pdf document.
    • The packet must not exceed 10 pages.

    Submission Procedures:

    SUBMIT FACULTY DOCUMENTATION
    • Deadline: Second Friday in January
    • Notification of winners will be made two weeks after the stated deadline for submission

  • The Outstanding Professional Service and Community Engagement Award recognizes sustained excellence in professional service within the university through departmental, college, and institutional service or leadership; a record of substantial external service in local, state, regional, national, or international communities either in professional disciplinary endeavors or in the multiple forms that community engagement can take (including teaching and scholarship); or a combination of internal and external service and leadership. 

    Award Criteria: 

    The WCHHS Awards Committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

    • Demonstrate a significant contribution to the academic community through their professional service and/or community engagement activities.
    • Demonstrate that their professional service activities and/or community engagement activities have had a significant positive effect at the university and/or the community, regional, or national, or international levels.

    See the KSU “Faculty Awards” website for some examples of persuasive evidence that may be included, as well as evaluation criteria the Awards Committee will utilize.

    Eligibility:

    Any full-time teaching faculty is eligible to be nominated for the award. Administrators with faculty rank are ineligible for faculty awards (i.e., receives a Contract for Faculty Ranked Administrators). Previous award winners of this award (under any of its previous names) are not eligible to apply again. The award recipient must be under contract at KSU when the award is presented.

    Award Amount:

    Each award consists of $500.

    Number and Frequency of Awards: 

    One (1) award may be presented annually, selected based on the qualifications of nominees.

    Application Requirements and Process:

    Applicants self-nominate for the award and submit all required material. The winner will be determined by the WCHHS Awards Committee, which is comprised of a member from each department within the college. The Awards Committee reserves the right to not designate an award winner.

    Please Note: WCHHS Outstanding Professional Service and Community Engagement Award winners will be submitted to the WCHHS Dean for eligibility for university awards. Additional materials may be required for university award packets.

    Nomination packets should include:

    • A completed submission form.
    • A 3–5-page summary statement by the nominee highlighting their achievements in professional service and community engagement and demonstration of the quality and significance of their outcomes. The summary must be created using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.
    • A condensed curriculum vitae (2-3 pages).
    • Any appendix materials useful to build the case.
    • All materials must be compiled into a single pdf document.
    • The packet must not exceed 10 pages.

    Submission Procedures:

    SUBMIT FACULTY DOCUMENTATION
    • Deadline: Second Friday in January
    • Notification of winners will be made two weeks after the stated deadline forsubmission

  • The Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award honors the cumulative contributions of an early career, full-time faculty member demonstrating exceptional contributions in the beginning of their academic career. A set of contributions consistent with the faculty member’s percent workload should be present across the areas of research and creative activity, teaching, and professional service.

    Award Criteria:

    The WCHHS Awards Committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

    • Demonstrate a sustained record of teaching, research and creative activity, and professional service. The primary criteria will be the impact and significance of the nominee’s work in the three areas, and some degree of integration among them at this stage of their career.
    • Demonstrate a record of excellence and distinction in teaching, research and creative activity, and professional or community service, including mentoring of students or peers.
    • Demonstrate a clear record indicating a strong potential continuing to make contributions to the academy.

    See the KSU “Faculty Awards” website  for some examples of persuasive evidence that may be included, as well as evaluation criteria the Awards Committee will utilize.

    Eligibility:

    Any full-time teaching faculty with a minimum of 2 years of service at KSU is eligible to apply for the award. Administrators with faculty rank are ineligible for faculty awards (i.e., receive a Contract for Faculty Ranked Administrators). Tenure-track faculty who have already been tenured or promoted are no longer considered early-career. Nontenure track faculty who have been at KSU for longer than 6 years are not considered early-career. Previous award winners of this award (under any of its previous names) are not eligible to apply again. The award recipient must be under contract at KSU when the award is presented.

    Award Amount:

    Each award consists of $500.

    Number and Frequency of Awards:

    One (1) award may be presented annually, selected based on the qualifications of nominees.

    Application Requirements and Process:

    Applicants self-nominate for the award and submit all required material. The winner will be determined by the WCHHS Awards Committee, which is comprised of a member from each department within the college. The Awards Committee reserves the right to not designate an award winner.

    Please Note: WCHHS Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award winners will be submitted to the WCHHS Dean for eligibility for university awards. Additional materials may be required for university award packets.

    Nomination packets should include:

    •  A completed submission form.
    • A 3–5-page summary statement by the nominee highlighting early career achievements in the areas of teaching, research and creative activity, and professional service. Documentation should include a record of research and creative activity, teaching, and professional service demonstrating promise as an outstanding faculty member. The summary must be created using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.
    • A condensed curriculum vitae (2-3 pages).
    • Any appendix materials useful to build the case.
    • All materials must be compiled into a single pdf document.
    • The packet must not exceed 10 pages.

    Submission Procedures:

    SUBMIT FACULTY DOCUMENTATION
    • Deadline: Second Friday in January
    • Notification of winners will be made two weeks after the stated deadline for submission

Staff Awards

The Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) Staff Awards Program promotes and rewards outstanding contributions by staff members in the college. Read below to learn the details of each award.

Nomination Process

  • Nominations may come from individuals themselves, supervisors, subordinates, peers, faculty, and staff. The Staff Awards Committee, a cross-functional team, reviews nominations and selects winners. An award may not be given in more than one category if the nominations do not provide sufficient justification of meritorious performance.
  • To nominate a staff member, click on the nomination link available on each award page and fill out the nomination form.

Nominations open the 1st week of October and close on the 2nd Friday in November by 5 PM

The award categories are:

  • This award will be presented to an individual who, in addition to performing all of their normal job duties with excellence, also demonstrates exceptional initiative in contributing to the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) community. This individual should exemplify outstanding teamwork, have a strong dedication and commitment to service within the KSU community, and have an impact on their department and WCHHS through leadership and innovation.

    Criteria to qualify: 

    • Minimum of 4 years full-time employment at Kennesaw State University that includes a minimum of 1 year as a WCHHS staff member 
    • Examples of how the nominee meets the award characteristics are to be included in application
    • Minimum application size 2 pages, maximum 4 pages (single space or 1.5 spaced, 1-inch margins) to include a letter of recommendation from supervisor
    • Nominee is a true team player and is committed to KSU and the mission of the College in their role/department.  The impact the nominee has on the department/College through their innovations and service is recognized by many

    Award: 

    1. $500
    2. A WCHHS announcement at the end of the semester 
    3. A seat on the Staff Awards Committee for the next award season (which will exclude them as a potential nominee for a staff award that season)
    4. Recognition on the WCHHS website
    5. Award winner will be nominated for the Kennesaw State University Staff Awards sponsored by the KSU Foundation
    NOMINATION FORM

    Nomination Deadline for Fall 2023:

    Nominations open on October 11th, 2023, and close on November 10th, 2023 by 5 PM

  • This award recognizes a Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) staff member with three years or fewer of service to Kennesaw State University who has made an outstanding contribution to his/her department and/or WCHHS, and is showing potential for growth and advancement.  The employee shows passion for their work, eagerness to help others, and exemplifies professionalism at all times.

    Criteria to qualify: 

    • Full-time employment as a WCHHS staff member  
    • Examples of how the nominee meets the award characteristics are to be included in application 
    • Nominees must be within their first three years of service at KSU
    • Nominees will have shown growth in their area of responsibility and go above and beyond their normal responsibilities, with high qualities of service 
    • Nominees serve as a role model for other staff and/or students, working collaboratively with colleagues, students, other university employees, and external stakeholders 

    Award: 

    1. $500
    2. A WCHHS announcement at the end of the semester
    3. A seat on the Staff Awards Committee for the next award season (which will exclude them as a potential nominee for a staff award that season)
    4. Recognition on the WCHHS website 
    NOMINATION FORM

    Nomination Deadline for Fall 2023:

    Nominations open on October 11th, 2023, and close on November 10th, 2023 by 5 PM

  • This award recognizes a Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) staff member who has demonstrated consistent dedication, cooperation and exceptional customer service to those he or she encounters and/or supports. Nominees in this category regularly exhibit a positive attitude and infectious energy, and are willing to go above and beyond to improve the quality of personal interactions to promote leadership and professionalism.

    Criteria to qualify: 

    • Minimum of 3 years full-time employment at Kennesaw State University that includes a minimum of 1 year as a WCHHS staff member 
    • Examples of how the nominee meets the award characteristics are to be included in application
    • Nominees will:  have a contagious positive attitude in encounters; show initiative and motivation in tasks, projects, and activities; present a positive image and ‘can do’ attitude; volunteer for assignments; significantly contribute to an environment in which all members of the community feel valued; demonstrate a passion for making a difference by sharing their spirit and knowledge with others

    Award: 

    1. $500
    2. A WCHHS announcement at the end of the semester
    3. A seat on the Staff Awards Committee for the next award season (which will exclude them as a potential nominee for a staff award that season)
    4. Recognition on the WCHHS website
    NOMINATION FORM

    Nomination Deadline for Fall 2023:

    Nominations open on October 11th, 2023, and close on November 10th, 2023 by 5 PM

Eligibility and Awards

  • Only full time permanent Wellstar College of Health and Human Services staff members in non-faculty positions are eligible.
  • Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.
  • Once a staff member has received an award, he or she will not be eligible to receive the same award from Wellstar College of Health and Human Services for five years.
  • Current Staff Awards Committee members are ineligible for the awards nomination season. The Fall 2023 Staff Awards Committee members are: Michele Hogge (ESSM), Daniel Monroe (WSON), Samantha Noble (WSON), Stacy Lynn Richardson (WSON), Karen Vickers (Office of the Dean).

Past Award Winners

  • 2022 Fall WCHHS “Distinguished Staff Award”

    • Karen Vickers, Sr Business Operations Manager, (Office of the Dean)

    2022 Fall WCHHS “Rising Star Award”

    • Samantha Noble, Simulation Support Specialist (WSON)

    2022 Fall WCHHS “ The Spirit of Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Award”

    • Amanda Stokes, Clinical Program Admissions Specialist (WSON)

  • 2021 Fall WCHHS “Distinguished Staff Award”

    • Michele Hogge, Office Manager (ESSM)

    2021 Fall WCHHS “Rising Star Award”

    • Stacy Lynn Richardson, Credentialing Specialist (WSON)

    2021 Fall WCHHS “ The Spirit of Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Award”

    • Daniel Monroe, Simulation Support Specialist (WSON)

  • 2021 Spring WCHHS “Distinguished Staff Award”

    • Lillian Valdez, Clinical Placement Coordinator (WSON)

    2021 Spring WCHHS “Rising Star Award”

    • Amanda Curley, Office Manager (Office of the Dean)

    2021 Spring WCHHS “ The Spirit of Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Award”

    • Kimberly Fox, Program Coordinator (ESSM)