Staff Council Awards
Each year, the University of Iowa Staff Council proudly recognizes exceptional staff who go above and beyond to make our university an outstanding place to work, learn, and grow. Help us celebrate the remarkable contributions of University of Iowa staff!
You may nominate a deserving staff member for one of the below awards.
Nomination Period: Opens annually on the second Monday of November and closes on the second Friday of the following January.
For questions, please contact the committee co-chairs at staffawards@uiowa.edu.
Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award
Purpose/Overview: Honors staff whose achievements significantly benefit the University of Iowa and the State of Iowa. Established in 1993.
Award Criteria:
- Exceptional contributions to the university and State of Iowa
- Efforts beyond normal job duties
- Community service considered only if tied to UI role
Selection & Recognition: Up to six awards annually; recipients honored at a spring event.
Key Distinction: Recognizes staff whose impact extends statewide; limited to employees not covered by collective bargaining.
Contact: staffawards@uiowa.edu.
UI Outstanding Staff Award
Purpose/Overview: Honors University of Iowa staff for exceptional achievements that benefit or bring recognition to the university. Established in 1985.
Award Criteria:
- Outstanding contributions to the university
- Efforts beyond normal job duties
- Community service considered only if tied to UI role
Selection & Recognition: Up to six awards each year; recipients honored at a spring event.
Key Distinction: Open to all university staff, including those under collective bargaining, recognizing university-wide impact.
Contact for Questions: staffawards@uiowa.edu
David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award in Service to the University of Iowa
Purpose/Overview: Honors staff who show exceptional imagination, dedication, and effectiveness in improving the university community through service beyond normal job duties. Service may include leadership, governance, policy improvement, or program creation.
Award Criteria:
- Sustained, highly effective service to the university
- Demonstrates imagination and dedication
- Outside normal job responsibilities
Selection & Recognition: Up to two awards each year; recipients honored at a spring event.
Key Distinction: Honors staff whose long-term, creative service efforts strengthen the university community, distinct from awards recognizing job performance or statewide impact.
Contact for Questions: staffawards@uiowa.edu
Richard E. Gibson Award for Innovation and Excellence in Customer Service
Purpose/Overview: Recognizes staff who provide exceptional customer service and demonstrate innovation that improves efficiency, quality, or the campus experience. Established in honor of Richard E. Gibson.
Award Criteria:
- Provides outstanding service and creative problem-solving
- Improves processes, communication, or client satisfaction
- Demonstrates initiative beyond normal job duties
- Encourages collaboration and positive engagement
Selection & Recognition: One or more awards may be given annually; recipients are honored at a spring university event.
Key Distinction: Highlights staff whose innovative, service-focused efforts enhance university operations and the student or employee experience.
Contact: staffawards@uiowa.edu
Staff Award for a Welcoming and Respectful Environmenthan
Purpose/Overview: Recognizes staff who foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment through actions that promote belonging and community across the university of Iowa.
Award Criteria:
- Demonstrates consistent respect, empathy, and inclusion
- Encourages collaboration among diverse groups
- Creates measurable impact on campus climate
- Efforts extend beyond normal job duties
Selection & Recognition: One or more awards may be given annually; recipients are honored at a spring university event.
Key Distinction: Celebrates staff who strengthen belonging and inclusion within the university community through ongoing, intentional action.
Contact: staffawards@uiowa.edu