Wednesday, April 8, 2026
CLAS Staff Council

The CLAS Staff Council is calling for nominations for the CLAS Staff Excellence Award and CLAS Leadership Award. 

CLAS Staff Excellence Award

The Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Awards are given annually to recognize staff members of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences who exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and positively impacted individuals, departments, or the College. 

Nomination forms can be found on the CLAS Staff Council website. The award has a $500 stipend, and more than one selection may be allowed. Applications may be submitted from Monday, Feb. 2 - Friday, Apr. 10, 2026.

Eligibility and criteria

  • All permanent full-time and part-time (50% or more) Professional & Scientific, Merit Exempt, and Merit staff employed in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are eligible to be nominated for this award.
  • Any CLAS employee may nominate a qualifying CLAS Staff member.
  • This award recognizes employees who have provided:
    • Exceptional service to their department or to the college.
    • Ideas that improved the work of the department or the college.
    • Contributions that extend beyond those normally expected or required by the job description.

Selection process

  • This award process is conducted annually.
  • Nominations will be evaluated by members of the CLAS Staff Council Awards & Recognition Committee.
  • More than one CLAS Staff Excellence Award may be awarded by the committee each year.
  • Questions can be emailed to CLAS Staff Council

CLAS Leadership Award

The CLAS Leadership Award is given annually to recognize staff members in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences who exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and positively impacted individuals, departments, or the College.

Nomination forms can be found on the CLAS Staff Council website. The award has a $500 stipend, and more than one selection may be allowed. Applications may be submitted from Monday, Feb. 2 - Friday, Apr. 10, 2026.

Eligibility, criteria, and nominations

  • All permanent full-time and part-time (50% or more) Professional & Scientific, Merit Exempt, and Merit staff employed in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are eligible to be nominated for this award.
  • Any CLAS staff, faculty, or student can nominate a CLAS staff member.
  • This award recognizes an individual(s) who exhibits excellence in leadership by adhering to the following criteria: sets a high standard of integrity by leading through example; motivates and inspires people around them; supports innovative ideas in diverse environments; encourages meaningful and dynamic professional relationships; promotes professional development; maintains a positive and constructive approach to receiving and giving feedback; fostering a culture of inclusiveness. 

Selection process

  • Nominations will be evaluated by the CLAS Staff Council Awards & Recognition Committee.
  • Awardee(s) will receive a $500 stipend.
  • Questions can be emailed to CLAS Staff Council at clas-staff-council@uiowa.edu

Note: this memo was also published on Feb. 4, 25, and Mar. 18, 2026.