The Navigator: Leadership Award

The Leadership Award was established to recognize outstanding employees who have consistently demonstrated leadership during their Undergraduate Education career by building community, respecting the well-being of people in achieving large-scale goals, exhibiting strong stewardship of institutional resources (time, talent, etc.), and advancing access and opportunity for others.

There are two categories for this award, one for faculty/academic staff and one for support staff. Award recipients will receive $750 and will be recognized during the All-Staff Undergraduate Education Meeting in the spring.

Nominees should have an outstanding commitment to Michigan State University’s core Mission and Values and a proven track record of outstanding job performance and leadership within the unit. Nominees do not need to be in a supervisory position. Their strength as a leader can be demonstrated through participation on committees, as part of project teams, or through peer training and mentorship. When preparing a nomination, please cite specific examples that showcase the individual’s talents and accomplishments.

If you would like to check the eligibility of your nominee, or if you have any other questions, please email the awards committee at UGEdAwards@msu.edu.

Please do not notify the employee of their nomination!

Example Achievement Areas

Potential examples of Achievement Areas include (but are not limited to):

• Empowers, challenges, and inspires staff to reach their highest potential and motivates others through practice and values.
• Demonstrates a compassion for the ongoing development of others.
• Officially or unofficially mentors others in navigating job responsibilities to increase the likelihood of performance success.
• Actively listens and directs people to appropriate resources.
• Demonstrates clear and concise communication skills guided by compassion and empathy.
• Exhibits the ability to connect and develop relationships that support a high level of trust and credibility.
• Positively influences others to work collaboratively and creatively.
• Promotes equity by welcoming and valuing a diversity of opinions in discussions, demonstrating acceptance of others, speaking up against marginalization and disrespect, and considering accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of job assignments.

Qualifications

• Nominees must be on the Office of Undergraduate Education payroll as a regular, active employee.
• Nominees must have been employed by Undergrad Ed for at least three years.
• Nominators must be employed by or enrolled at Michigan State University.
• Nominators and nominees must not have a familial relationship.
• Self-nominations will not be considered.
• Award eligibility is limited to once every three years.
• The eligible employee groups for the Support Staff Awards are APSA, APA and CTU employees.