Vanderbilt University Commodore Awards
The Vanderbilt University Commodore Awards are presented to full-time regular staff members who have made significant contributions to Vanderbilt University’s pursuit of excellence in education, research and community service.
The Commodore Awards are presented annually with recipients receiving a cash award and an engraved crystal bowl. To nominate a colleague, go online to InfoReady
Eligibility
The Vanderbilt University Commodore Award is presented to full-time staff members who have made significant contributions to Vanderbilt University’s pursuit of excellence in education, research and community service. One award is presented to hourly staff and one to salaried staff.
The Staff Awards Selection Committee reviews all applications. The two awardees are announced at Spring Staff Assembly. Each award consists of $5000 and an engraved crystal bowl.
Regular full-time staff members with at least 10 years of consecutive Vanderbilt University service at time of submission may be nominated for the award. Previous recipients of the Commodore Awards are ineligible. The division/department point person or delegate of vice chancellor, associate vice chancellor, dean, vice provost, or similarly situated role may nominate.
Previous recipients of the Commodore Awards may not win a second time.
Criteria
During the nomination period, Division/Department Point Persons, using a link to the online nomination application form, will describe how the nominee achieved one or more of the following:
- Overall performance and accomplishments that regularly and consistently far exceed performance expectations, reflecting a high level of service, dedication, conscientiousness, compassion, and applied skill.
- Handling a high impact or critical situation which had important consequences for a department, Vanderbilt University or the community.
- Developing or improving processes that resulted in significant productivity and/or cost savings improvements.
Previous Commodore Award Winners
| 2019 | Sheree Wright | General Counsel |
| 2019 | Elizabeth Bumpous | Owen Graduate School of Management |
| 2018 | Dennis Spann | School of Nursing |
| 2018 | Antoinette Hicks | Business Services |
| 2017 | Danny McKissack | Grounds Maintenance |
| 2017 | Lilliana Rodriguez | Spanish and Portuguese |
| 2016 | Karen Page | School of Engineering |
| 2015 | Judy Brandon | Office of Dean of Students |
| 2014 | Clair Gant | Edgehill Child & Family Center |
| 2013 | Rosemary Moody | Leadership, Policy and Organization |
| 2012 | Tonya Mills | Political Science |
| 2011 | Paula McGown | Health and Wellness Administration |
| 2010 | Peggy Chatfield | Kennedy Center |
| 2009 | Mouzon Siddiqi | Grad Program, Economic Development |
| 2008 | Sandy Childress | Physics and Astronomy |
| 2007 | Rocky Alvey | Dyer Observatory |
| 2006 | Donald Pickert | Physics and Astronomy |
| 2005 | Patricia Kinman | Occupational Health |
| 2004 | Danny Anglin | Environmental Health & Safety |
| 2003 | Don Hughes Sr. | Plant Operations |
| 2002 | Beverly Brothers | Student Athletics-Support Staff |
| 2001 | Edwyna Griscom | Student Athletics |
| Betty Lee | Student Academic Services | |
| 2000 | Ginette Cambronero | Edgehill Child & Family Center |
| 1999 | Bill Storey | Molecular Biology |
| 1998 | Dodie Miller | |
| 1997 | Gail Lance | University Registrar Office |
| 1996 | Patricia Burns | Psychology |
| 1995 | Brenda Jordan | Arts & Science Registrar |
| 1994 | Lorine Spencer | Residential & Judicial Affairs/Housing Administration |
| Mary Scott | University Payroll | |
| 1993 | Jan Hargett | Teaching and Learning, Peabody Dean’s Office |
| Pat Millwood | Student Organization, Campus Student Services | |
| 1992 | Michael Miller | |
| 1991 | Robert McRaeynolds | |
| Donnie W. Campbell | ||
| Gail Workman | University Library | |
| 1990 | Dorothy Timberlake | Psychology |
| William Ross | Mail Services |