Vanderbilt University Commodore Award
The Vanderbilt University Commodore Award is 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 each year.
The Commodore Award will be presented each year at the annual Service Award Celebration. The recipient will receive a cash award of $2,500 and an engraved crystal bowl.
Eligibility
Regular full-time staff members holding positions below the director or department head level with at least five years of consecutive Vanderbilt University service may be nominated for the award. Previous recipients of the Commodore Award may not win a second time.
Criteria
Nominations must be submitted using the online nomination form and 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.
You can find an example of the Commodore Award nomination form here. The nomination form will be available here October 15-November 15.
Selection Committee
The University Commodore Award Selection Committee is appointed by the Chief Human Resource Officer and consists of five to seven members including the committee chair. The committee includes the previous year’s winner and representatives from staff, administration and faculty. The committee chair will be a dean or department head. Any questions regarding eligibility of a nominee will be determined by the committee chair. A representative from Human Resources will serve as ex officio on the committee and facilitate the committee’s review work.
Previous Commodore Award Winners
| 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 |