Program information
This nomination recognizes MSU educators (anyone contributing to the teaching and learning, outreach, and/or student success missions of the university) and staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to one of the five opportunity areas of undergraduate student success.
- All nominees will receive a congratulatory letter signed by Mark Largent, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies, as well as a certificate recognizing their contributions.
- Letters and certificates will be processed and distributed at the end of the of the academic year.
- Nominators will also have the opportunity to nominate individuals for the Five Opportunity Areas of Student Success Awards within the same nomination form.
- Winners in each area will be formally recognized and presented with an award at a formal recognition ceremony.
2026 Award Recipients
Self Discovery of Purpose
John Waller, Ph.D., Director, Social Science Scholars Program, Associate Professor of History, College of Social Science
Educational Success
Ann Folino White, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theatre Studies and Directing, Department of Theatre
Developing a Sense of Belonging
Jeffrey Tsang, M.Ed., Director of Engineering Education Abroad, Assistant Director for Advising Initiatives, College of Engineering
Contributing to an Empowered Community
James Bradley, Academic Advisor, School of Criminal Justice, College of Social Science
Developing Wellbeing
Anne Thompson, Associate Director of Health Promotion, University Health and Wellbeing
Five Opportunity Areas of Student Success Awards
An award will be presented in each of the five opportunity areas of student success.
This area of student success recognizes staff members or educators who exemplify excellence in guiding students toward self-discovery of purpose. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to fostering personal, academic, and cultural exploration while supporting students in articulating and achieving their goals through a commitment to continuously reviewing, refining, and adapting policies, procedures, and practices to better support students in self-discovery of purpose.
This area of student success recognizes staff members and educators whose work demonstrates a significant commitment to advancing Educational Success for students at MSU. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to fostering personal, academic, and cultural exploration while supporting students in articulating and achieving their goals through a commitment to continuously reviewing, refining, and adapting policies, procedures, and practices to better support students’ educational success.
This area of student success recognizes staff members or educators whose work significantly contributes to fostering an empowered and supportive community at MSU. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to fostering personal, academic, and cultural exploration while supporting students in articulating and achieving their goals through a commitment to continuously reviewing, refining, and adapting policies, procedures, and practices to better support students towards contributing to an empowered community.
This area of student success recognizes staff members or educators who have made significant contributions to creating a sense of belonging for students, particularly through fostering meaningful relationships, supporting academic and social engagement, and mitigating bias. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to fostering personal, academic, and cultural exploration while supporting students in articulating and achieving their goals through a commitment to continuously reviewing, refining, and adapting policies, procedures, and practices to better support students in developing a sense of belonging.
This area of student success recognizes staff members or educators who have made significant contributions to fostering the overall wellbeing of students. Nominees should demonstrate a holistic commitment to students’ health and wellness, support systems, and accessibility to resources that enhance their wellbeing. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to fostering personal, academic, and cultural exploration while supporting students in articulating and achieving their goals through a commitment to continuously reviewing, refining, and adapting policies, procedures, and practices to better support students’ development of wellbeing.