Rising Administrator Award

Administrators join Ohio University at many different stages of life and career. Each brings with them knowledge, experience, and skills as they join the Bobcat family, and may make significant contributions early in their time at Ohio University. New in the 2026-27 academic year, the Rising Administrator Award recognizes, highlights and uplifts these administrators.

• The Rising Administrator Award is for those administrative presidential appointees who have completed one to four years of employment at Ohio University. 
• The Administrative Senate will honor (up to) three administrators for their contributions early in their career with the University. 
• The award winners are honored at the Administrator Awards Ceremony each spring; the annual ceremony is open to the public. Nomination are invited from all areas of the University.
• Winners receive a certificate, $1,000 in cash, and a spot on the Rising Administrator Award plaque in Chubb Hall. 

Funding to support the awards is obtained and administered through the Administrative Senate. 
 

Nominate a Rising Administrator

Nominations are welcomed from all members of the University community—faculty, administrative staff, hourly staff, and students.

Nominations are accepted through an online form each fall for outstanding service during the previous school year. The nomination window opens the first week of October and closes on October 12. 

Eligibility 

Administrators eligible for the Rising Administrator Award will have met the following criteria:

• At least one, but less than five years (1-4 years) of consecutive service as a full- or part-time administrator at Ohio University, and currently serving as a full- or part-time administrator.
• Administrative responsibility at any level (professional responsibility).
• An administrative appointment of nine, 10, 11, or 12 months, spending 50% or more of the time in administrative duties.

The President, Vice Presidents, Executive Vice President and Provost, Vice Provosts, Associate Provosts, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Deans, and those eligible for the Faculty Senate are excluded from nomination for this award.

Selection Criteria

Selection of award recipients will be based on evidence for multiple of the following criteria:

• Strong understanding of and alignment with the mission and values of their planning unit.
• Acquires new skills, adapts to challenges, and actively seeks feedback and development opportunities.
• Introduces new ideas, processes, or approaches that enhance efficiency, student or college experience, or unit effectiveness.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, and an ability to work well within new or cross-functional teams.
• Takes on tasks, projects, or service opportunities that go beyond job expectations.
• Contributes positively to the local community, the University, or unit culture through volunteerism or engagement.
• Pays close attention to detail and produces high-quality work that contributes to unit goals.
• Demonstrates qualities such as accountability, integrity, teamwork, and a proactive mindset.
• Stands out among peers at a similar career stage, as noted by nominators and references.
• Recognized by colleagues or supervisors as someone who is making an impression and whose work trajectory is notably upward.