Cecile E. Gilmer & Professor Norm Jones Benefice for Staff Excellence

*Eligible departments or programs: History, English, Social Work, UPR, and ArtSci Advancement Staff.

Recognizing the exceptional contributions of administrative and support staff who help the College of Arts & Sciences fulfill its mission. Established through the generosity of former USU staff member and longtime college supporter Cecile E. Gilmer, this award celebrates the dedication, initiative, collaboration, and behind-the-scenes work that keep our departments and programs running smoothly.

Administrative staff and program coordinators play an essential role in creating a positive and effective experience for students, faculty, and colleagues. Their work helps students navigate their education, access the resources they need, and make progress toward degree completion. By recognizing these contributions, the Benefice highlights the important connection between excellent administrative support and student success.

A Strong Nominee...

  • Demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence and make a meaningful difference in their department, program, or the College as a whole. They may demonstrate these qualities through:
    • Initiative and leadership: Consistently going above and beyond their regular responsibilities to address needs, take ownership of projects, and support departmental goals.
    • Commitment to service: Providing dependable, thoughtful, and effective support to students, faculty, colleagues, and others they serve.
    • Collaboration and collegiality: Building positive working relationships, communicating effectively, and contributing to a welcoming and supportive work environment.
    • Creative problem-solving: Finding practical solutions, improving processes, and helping work move forward efficiently and effectively.
    • Commitment to the mission: Supporting the goals of their department or program, the College of Arts & Sciences, and Utah State University through their daily work.

Criteria & Eligibility

  1. Have at least one year of employment within the College of Arts & Sciences by the date the award is presented.
  2. Hold an eligible administrative or support staff position within a designated department or program.
  3. Eligible department or program: Work within one of the following areas:
    1. History: Classics, Folklore, History, Philosophy, or Religious Studies
    2. English
    3. Social Work
    4. Utah Public Radio
    5. College of Arts & Sciences Advancement and Development
    6. Statewide inclusion: Eligible staff may work at any USU campus or location, in keeping with the College's One College Statewide initiative.
  4. Commitment to the missions of the College of ArtSci and USU. Staff that consistently go "above and beyond" in job requirements, projects, ad-hoc needs of their specific department/program showing patterns of initiative, leadership, support, and creative problem-solving.
  5. Demonstrate a consistent pattern of excellence, initiative, collaboration, and service that extends beyond simply meeting the basic requirements of their position.

Nomination Materials

  • A letter of nomination of up to two pages from the department head or designee addressing the criteria above.

Recognition

Recognized at the College Awards Ceremony. Each recipient will receive $1,000.

The award recipient is requested to send a letter describing what the Benefice means to them (their family, etc.) to the Donor within a reasonable time following receipt.

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.