Big Blue Award

Recognizing an early-career staff member who demonstrates exceptional promise, initiative, and dedication through meaningful contributions to the Arts & Sciences community. This individual has quickly made a noticeable and significant impact through their work, collaboration, and willingness to take on new opportunities, while showing tremendous potential for continued growth and leadership.

A Strong Nominee...

  • Demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence in their work.
  • Has made meaningful and notable contributions relatively early in their career or time at USU/Arts & Sciences.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take on new opportunities, challenges, or responsibilities and approaches them with enthusiasm and purpose.
  • Has made a noticeable impact on colleagues, students, faculty, their department, or the College through their contributions.
  • Shows strong potential for continued growth, leadership, and positive impact within the Arts & Sciences community.

Criteria & Eligibility

  1. Must be in a current, benefit-eligible position and have been employed at USU for a minimum of two continuous years.
  2. Be in good standing with their respective department and the university (no disciplinary actions on file within the last three years).
  3. Demonstrates commitment to job excellence with evidence the nominee produces high quality work, proficiency, initiative, and dependability. Shows exceptional knowledge and skills, self-motivation, and a positive attitude.
  4. Communicates and collaborates effectively within or across workgroups, labs, offices, departments, or divisions within the context of position responsibilities; maintains effective working relationships with co-workers.
  5. This award is intended for an early-career staff member who has worked in the College of Arts & Sciences for five years or fewer.

Nomination Materials

  1. A letter of nomination of up to two pages from the department head or designee addressing the criteria above and answering the following prompt:

    "What has this person accomplished that makes them stand out as an emerging leader or rising star? Please share specific examples of their initiative, contributions, and impact, as well as the potential you see for their continued growth and leadership."

Recognition

Recognized at the College Awards Ceremony. Winners will also be submitted to the Presidential Staff Awards.

Due Date

Nominations are due by December 1 to the Box folder provided by the ArtSci Dean’s Office to the Department Head.

If you are a designee, please contact your Department Head for access to the Box folder.