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Washington State University
Washington State University Office of the Provost

Faculty Awards

Annual Awards

Outstanding Department Chair or School Director

Criteria

The selection committee will evaluate nominations on the evidence of qualities that distinguish the nominee as an outstanding department chair or school director. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to:

  • Role and scope of the department/school
  • Demonstration of leadership and administrative acumen in role as department chair/school director
  • Displays outstanding leadership qualities (e.g., proactive and positive; able to make difficult decisions; delegates when appropriate; manages conflict effectively).
  • Fosters a departmental environment that serves as a positive atmosphere for achievement.
  • Displays vision for the department/school, and integrates departmental/school strategic planning and thinking with mission and goals of the university.
  • Demonstrates innovation with regard to initiating new programs, infrastructure, and facilities.
  • Shows achievements in areas such as recruitment of outstanding faculty and students.
  • Promotes professional development for all department/school personnel.
  • Participates in professional development opportunities both within and outside the university.
  • Promotes diversity and understanding of difference among faculty, staff, and students.
  • Department/school accomplishments as reflected by advancement of key initiatives and benchmarks (e.g., enrollment, extramural funding, scholarly output).
  • Service/cooperation with other units in the college and university.
  • Places emphasis on collaboration with other units within WSU.
  • Is an active citizen of both the college and the university.
  • Service to external stakeholders, professional societies, and to the community.

Application Process

Nominators are asked to submit the nomination form, a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and a narrative of 1000 words or less, stating why the nominee meets the award criteria and is deserving of the award.

Please do not submit additional information during the initial phase.  At a later date, for those nominees moving forward for secondary consideration, the nominator(s) will be asked to provide additional supporting information. Representative examples of additional information may include:

  • Recommendation letter from the Dean.
  • One page statement from nominee on his/her philosophy on leadership and management of a department/school.
  • Up to three letters of support. These can be from faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, classified staff, or others who work extensively with the nominee.

Recipients

YearAwardeeDepartment
2022Tariq AkmalTeaching and Learning
2021Rich KoenigCrop and Soil Sciences
2020Pat CarterSchool of Biological Sciences
2019James PetersenGene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2018Laura HillHuman Development
2017Kerry HippsChemistry and Materials Science and Engineering
2016Not Awarded
2015Larry D. HuffordBiological Sciences
2014Tom PowerHuman Development