Our campus recognizes the dedication of our faculty and staff through a number of awards. The nomination process, criteria, and forms for the awards that governance plays a role in are listed below by category. Please contact the Common Council Office for award-related questions. The guidelines for University-Sponsored Awards are in the University Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 2.
Award nominations for the 2026-2027 cycle will be due in February 2027. Nomination forms may be updated before then.
University Awards
The University Awards, provided for in Chapter 6 of the Handbook, recognize individuals for teaching, scholarship, and service. Please refer to the University Handbook for specific award eligibility, but these are generally for faculty and academic staff.
Previous award winners are ineligible for the same award for five years. Current University Awards Subcommittee members are also ineligible while they are serving on the committee. Please check the eligibility list (updated annually in December).
Submit the nomination form and required materials to University.Awards@uwsp.edu.
- Excellence in Teaching Scholarship and Service Award
- nomination form
- 1 recipient will receive $2,500
- faculty or academic staff with at least .5 FTE teaching assignments or .5 FTE in University Library with 5 or more years of service at UWSP are eligible
- Excellence in Teaching Award
- nomination form
- up to 5 recipients will receive $1,000 each
- faculty or academic staff with at least .5 FTE teaching assignments or .5 FTE in University Library with at least one year of service at UWSP are eligible (one award is for someone with 1-3 years service)
- University Scholar Award
- nomination form
- up to 2 recipients will receive $1,000 each
- faculty or academic staff employed half-time or more are eligible
- University Service Award
- nomination form
- up to 2 recipients will receive $1,000 each
- faculty or academic staff employed half-time or more are eligible
Below are evaluation rubrics that will be used by the University Awards Subcommittee when considering nomination packets in selection of award recipients. The intent in providing the evaluation rubrics is to provide additional guidance to those preparing nomination packets. Nominees or those compiling nomination packets are asked to consult the rubrics to ensure that submitted nomination packets are complete.
Academic Staff Awards
ACADEMIC STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Academic Staff Excellence Award recognizes an academic staff member for contributions made in their unit, department, and/or university. The award recognizes excellence in performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement. Academic Staff and Instructional Academic Staff (categories A, B, or C; full- or part-time) are eligible. Recipients may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection. The Academic Staff Excellence Award recipient receives $2,500.
ACADEMIC STAFF SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
The Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award recognizes the importance of service in building and contributing to a healthier community environment on and off campus. Any and all of the following should be considered when making the nomination: displaying collaboration, garnering and giving respect, personal impact on and/or off campus, and work of distinction. The award will be provided to individuals contributing in any of the following areas of community service: mental, social, physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, spiritual/philosophical, or environmental. Academic Staff and Instructional Academic Staff (categories A, B, or C; full- or part-time) are eligible. Recipients may not be re-nominated for 5 years following their selection. The Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award recipient receives $1,000.
Submit nominations to Academic.Staff.Awards@uwsp.edu.
University Staff Awards
Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award
The Sargis Award is an annual award given to a university staff member in recognition of notable accomplishments and service throughout their career at UW-Stevens Point. To be eligible for this award, the candidate: must have 20 or more years of UWSP service (which can include LTE and project appointment service, but be currently in permanent status; a listing of eligible university staff is provided below), must be making a positive contribution towards the goals and objectives of their unit and the university, should regularly demonstrate professionalism in working relationships and contacts within and outside the university community, and should show a commitment to personal growth and community service.
The recipient of the Sargis Award receives a $2,500 award.
- History of the Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award
- Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award nomination form
- University Staff members eligible for nomination for the Sargis Award (updated annually in December)
Outstanding Work Performance Award
The Outstanding Work Performance Awards recognize individuals for performance far beyond what is normally expected, including, but not limited to, taking on additional responsibilities or increased workload, accepting and completing special projects not part of the normal work duties, developing or modifying procedures, or exhibiting behavior that enhances the workplace, resulting in increased effectiveness and efficiency of service offered by the work unit or university.
Up to four recipients of the Outstanding Work Performance award will receive awards of $1,000.
University staff are eligible for the Outstanding Work Performance Award if they were employed with UW-Stevens Point during the entire previous calendar year (January 1-December 31) for at least 700 hours (34% FTE) as university staff and did not receive an award in the previous two years.
University Staff Service Award
The University Staff Service Award recognizes one individual for time and effort voluntarily given to the university community; time and effort not considered part of the normal work assignment. Including, but not limited to, involvement in campus committees, or assistance to staff, students, or campus organizations. The result of this involvement is increased positive perception of the university within the community or enhancing the ability of the university to accomplish its mission.
The recipient of the University Staff Service Award receives an award of $1,000.
University staff are eligible for the Service Award if they were employed with UW-Stevens Point during the entire previous calendar year (January 1-December 31) for at least 700 hours (34% FTE) as university staff and did not receive an award in the previous two years.
Previous Year Award Winners
2025-2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Academic Staff Excellence Award
Sean Ruppert, Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning
Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award
Amy Kowalski, Extension Lakes
Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award
Chris Brindley, Facility Services
Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award
James Berry, Department of English, College of Letters & Science
Excellence in Teaching Award
Laura Anderson McIntyre, Forestry, College of Natural Resources
Dave Dettman, University Library
Ann Herda-Rapp, Sociology and Social Work, College of Letters and Science
Sarah Orlofske, Biology, College of Letters and Science
University Scholar Award
M. David Chunyu, Sociology and Social Work, College of Letters and Science
Kathryn McGarry, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Letters and Science
University Service Award
Kelly Bird, Continuing Education and Outreach
Timothy Buchholz, Music, College of Fine Arts and Communication
Kristi Roth, Common Council and Education, College of Professional Studies
Outstanding Work Performance Award
Kathryn Blakeman, Common Council
Dan Kieliszewski, Facility Services
Ken Kulich, Facility Services
Colleen Meis, Continuing Education and Outreach