Staff Excellence Awards

The Staff Excellence Awards recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of two Civil Service and/or Administrative Professional (AP) staff in the college. These individuals consistently meet or exceed expectations, inspire excellence in others, and positively contribute to the advancement of their team.

This award also recognizes one Civil Service and/or Administrative Professional (AP) as the Staff of the Year. The Staff of the Year Award goes beyond simply performing well or inspiring others. The awardee shapes the college’s culture, contributes to its strategic goals, and leaves a lasting, positive impact that extends beyond the workplace.

Award/Honor

Three VCEA staff will receive a certificate and an honorarium.

Nomination Guidelines

  • The objective is to honor three Civil Service and/or Administrative Professional (AP) staff members for their outstanding achievements, contributions, and positive impact on their teams. The purposes of the awards include: (1) publicizing the positive attributes and contributions made by the staff which are important to the college, (2) rewarding and recognizing individuals who achieve excellence, and (3) encouraging a high degree of consciousness regarding excellence in the workplace for the entire staff.
  • This award is open to all VCEA Civil Service and/or AP staff, irrespective of campus. Employees with instructional duties are not eligible for this award. They can be nominated for the Reid Miller Teaching Award (career-track).
  • Nominees must have been employed by VCEA for the entire previous calendar year. For example, staff eligible for the award in 2025, must have been employed for calendar year 2024.
  • Previous winners of this award may not be nominated during the three years following their last receipt of the award.
  • The required elements of the nomination package are:
    • One letter of nomination (no more than one page in length).
    • Up to three letters of recommendation are welcome.

Selection Criteria

  • Performance and Achievement: nominee’s efficiency, commitment to quality, and continuous improvement exceeds the expectation of the position. Significantly improves the quality of the work and increases the efficiency of their area. Positively contributes to the College’s image and goals.
  • Customer Service and Teamwork: demonstrates exceptional ability and willingness to work positively, respectfully, and effectively with others when managing work priorities, following procedures and solving problems. Fosters effective collaboration, communication, and cooperation among colleagues and members of the campus community.

Deadline

All nominations should be submitted in Qualtrics on or before Friday, March 13, 2026, by 5:00 pm (PST).

Previous Award Recipients

Employee of the Year

YearNameSchool/Department
2026Ben WellerElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
2025Lisa HillVoiland College Student Success
2024Gwen MillerElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
2023Lael GrayChemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2022Paul WilmothElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
2021Morann JohnsonVoiland College Student Success
2020Jeannine BurkeEnergy Systems Innovation Center

Employee Excellence

YearNameSchool/Department
2025Jason MinorElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
2025Dylan FreemanDesign and Construction
2024Samantha BaileyChemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2024Kate BarnesDesign and Construction
2023Ian LeibbrandtMechanical and Materials Engineering
2023Linda HowellEnergy Systems Innovation Center
2022Lindsey BeatVoiland College Student Success
2022Darlene MillerEnergy Systems Innovation Center
2021Fernanda AmaralDean's Office
2021Andrea ButcheriteMechanical and Materials Engineering
2020Allyson (Aly) KincaidMechanical and Materials Engineering
2020Joyce CrosthwaiteMarketing and Communications

Questions?

If you have questions about the award criteria and nomination process, please contact: