The Outstanding Staff Awards are given yearly during Staff Recognition Week. Nominations for these awards are accepted at the beginning of every year. A committee comprised of Staff Advisory Council members and staff-at-large will make the selections. Any staff member (except Staff Advisory Council members), faculty member, student, alumni or retiree from the University may submit nominations.
Eligible applicants must be full time (>75% FTE) permanent Mizzou Campus or UM System staff members, non-hospital, without academic appointment and who are not on probation and have successfully completed six months of continuous employment by the application deadline. Current SAC members are not eligible while serving their term.
Eligible applicants for the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award in the Part-Time/Temporary staff category must be non-regular (>50% FTE) MU Campus non-benefit eligible staff members, non-hospital, and who are not on probation and have successfully completed six months of continuous employment with MU by the application deadline.
The specific awards that fall under the Outstanding Staff Awards are as follows:
These awards represent those who best reflect honor upon the University and the community through a combination of job performance, job-related personal qualities, relationship with their associates, and the ability to relate their work to the missions and values of the University. The awards, which consist of a plaque and $2,000, will be presented during the annual Staff Recognition Week Awards Ceremony. One award will be given to a staff member in each of the six following job categories:
Leadership & Strategy, Administration & University Functions, Research & Technical Professionals, Facilities & Operations, UM System, and Part-Time.
Leadership & Strategy:
This category highlights leaders who provide vision, direction, and clarity for their teams and the broader university community. Individuals at the Manager or Director level and above are recognized for guiding strategic priorities, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where staff and students can thrive. Their leadership helps move the institution or department forward with purpose, accountability, and care.
Examples include:
- Senior Director for Student Engagement & Leadership
- Program Manager II – Student Support Services (Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruiting)
- Director of Principal Gifts Strategy
- Finance Manager – Campus Dining
- Director of Academic Advising
- Associate Director of Facility Operations
- Director, Program/Project Operations
Administration & University Functions:
This category includes positions that help the university run smoothly behind the scenes, often coordinating essential processes, supporting departments, and ensuring day-to-day operations stay on track. These roles usually involve organizing information, facilitating communication, and supporting campus initiatives but without full responsibility for high-level strategy or institutional decision-making. They’re critical touchpoints for students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
Examples include:
- Office Support Assistant / Office Support Associate
- Student Support Specialist
- Program/Project Assistant (or Program Support Coordinator)
- Human Resources Consultant
Research & Technical Professionals:
This category highlights Research & Technical Professionals who keep Mizzou’s academic, clinical, technological, and media engines running. They blend specialized knowledge with hands-on expertise who apply what they know directly to real-world problems, services, or discoveries. Their work often sits at the intersection of research, innovation, and operational excellence. Their work often supports core functions of Mizzou’s mission: discovery, innovation, public service, and high-quality learning experiences.
Examples include:
- Research Specialist / Senior Research Specialist
- IT Support Analyst / Systems Administrator / Cybersecurity Analyst
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist / Radiologic Technologist
- Broadcast Operations Engineer / Multimedia Specialist
- Veterinary Technician
Facilities & Operations:
This category highlights Facilities & Operations positions that keeps the physical heart of the university running. These positions make sure buildings are safe, comfortable, and functional so students, staff, faculty, and visitors can focus on learning and working. Whether it’s maintaining heating/cooling systems, plumbing, coordinating room setups, or responding to facility issues, this team ensures campus spaces feel welcoming and well-managed.
Examples include:
- Facilities Operations Manager
- Custodian/Groundskeeper/Electrician
- Maintenance Supervisor / Skilled Trades Supervisor
- Custodial Services Manager
UM System:
This category highlights UM System employees who support the day-to-day operations that keep the entire University of Missouri system running everything from finance to HR to facilities. They ensure policies are followed, budgets are monitored, and campuswide services stay smooth. These roles often bridge multiple campuses and require strong coordination skills.
Examples include:
- Compliance Manager – UM System Compliance
- Risk & Insurance Specialist
- IT Project Manager – Division of IT
- Systems Administrator – UM System IT
- Senior Business Operations Associate
Part-Time:
This category highlights Part-time employees who work fewer hours than full-time staff but still play a valuable role in keeping departments running smoothly. These roles often support daily operations, student services, events, or project-based tasks. This award, which consists of a plaque and $1,000, will be presented during the annual Staff Recognition Week Awards Ceremony.
Examples include:
- Mizzou Athletics Event Support Staff
- Office Support Assistant (Part-Time)
- Campus Dining Associate (Part-Time)
- Front Desk Coordinator (Part-Time)
- MizzouRec Front Desk Associate (Part-Time)
This award was estabilished 2023 by James Pace, who is the now-retired owner and CEO of ROM Corporation, a manufacutring company and graduate of MU. This award will be given annually during staff recognition week to an employee who has demonstrated innovation, process improvement, change leadership, efficiency, and/or effectiveness gains for the University. The winner will receive a plaque and a $2,000 award during the annual Staff Recognition Week Awards Ceremony.
This award was established in 1986 by the Staff Advisory Council to honor an administrator who has demonstrated qualities of leadership, administrative excellence, and has contributed in some way to improve working conditions and the quality of life for MU staff. MU Chancellor, Barbara S. Uehling (1978-1986), whom established the Staff Advisory Council, was given the first award. The award, which consists of a plaque and $1,000, will be presented during the annual Staff Recognition Week Awards Ceremony.
This award was established in 1980 by the Staff Advisory Council to honor a staff member who exemplifies Mick Deaver’s concern for fostering good relations with students. Major Mick Deaver was the Associate Director of the University Police Department at the time of his death in 1980 from an automobile accident. The award, which consists of a plaque and $1,000, will be presented during the annual Staff Recognition Week Awards Ceremony.