This awards program acknowledges exemplary leadership within our academic community and inspires continuous excellence in departmental and college leadership and contributions to overall leadership at Appalachian State University.
Introduction:
Recognizing the pivotal role of department chairs in steering academic excellence, Appalachian State University is pleased to introduce the Departmental Leadership Awards Program. This program aims to celebrate and honor outstanding leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact and leadership qualities within their respective departments, colleges, and to the university.
Two (2) Awards Available:
Appalachian State University Emerging Leader Award
- Purpose: To recognize a department chair who has shown outstanding achievements in advancing the faculty, staff, students, and programs within their first 1-2 years of assuming the leadership role.
- Eligibility: Current department chairs who have been in their role no longer than 2 years. The recipient must be an Appalachian State University employee at the time of the University Awards Ceremony.
- Nature of the Award: $1,500 one-time stipend or foundation dollars for Department/Unit
- Number of Awards: One
- Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate measurable impact in areas such as advancing academic or research programs, introducing new mission-driven initiatives, enhancing existing programs, or promoting excellence within the department. This award acknowledges the early impact of a chair in shaping the department's culture or significantly advancing its mission as part of larger college initiatives.
Appalachian State University Distinguished Leadership Award
- Purpose: To recognize a department chair who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing faculty, staff, students, and programs within their department and making noticeable contributions to the college/university after 3 or more years of service as department Chair.
- Eligibility: Current department chairs. The recipient must be an Appalachian State University employee at the time of the Awards Ceremony.
- Nature of the Award: $2,500 one-time stipend or foundational dollars to the Dept.
- Number of Awards: One
- Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate leadership in advancing programs, developing/maintaining a supportive departmental climate that results in high levels of productivity and engagement, fostering the career development of faculty and staff, effectively addressing issues, effectively representing the department to various stakeholders, efficiently managing day-to-day operations, providing leadership in achieving departmental, college, and university goals, and contributing to positive campus-wide impact.
Nomination Process for Awards
Submission of Nominations
- Nominations submitted by either a faculty member or staff member must include:
- A nomination letter (up to two pages) should outline how the nominee's qualifications align with the award criteria and why the nominee is deserving.
- Additional letters of support are required, including one from the Dean, one from a faculty member in the nominee's department/school, and one from a staff member in the nominee's department/school.
- Nominations must be submitted to the respective college's dean's office by April 30th.
Review and Notification
- The college dean's office must review nominations before submission to the Senior Vice Provost review committee by May 15th. The review committee will provide their recommendations to the Provost for final determination.
- Award recipients and their nominators, department chairs, deans, or supervisors will be notified.
- Colleges will receive feedback on unsuccessful nominations.