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.

The Commodore Award will be presented each year at the annual Service Award Ceremony. 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 are accepted Oct 1- Nov 15 of each year.   Divisional/Department Point People, using a link to the online nomination application form, 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.

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. 

Timeline

• Sept. 1 – Sept. 20 - formation of Selection Committee
• Sept. 20 – Sept. 30 - divisional/department point people receive an email announcing a call for nominations, myVU articles released
• Oct. 1 – Nov. 15 - nomination process open, submissions accepted
• Nov. 15 – Dec. 1 - selection committee chooses recipients, chancellor approval process
• Dec. 1 – Dec. 15 – nominees announced in myVU

How to submit nominations for the Commodore Award

Criteria

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 Commodore award. Previous recipients of the Commodore Award may not win a second time .  Nominations must be submitted using the online nomination application form.

Online Nomination Form

You will have a minimum of 1,000 characters and a maximum of 3,000 characters to provide information about your nominee for each of the following areas.  It is important to make every word count.  Assume the selection committee knows nothing about your nominee, therefore provide as much detail as possible. 

1) Please provide a summary including specific examples of why you believe this person should win the 2018 Commodore Award.

2) Provide a brief description of typical job duties and describe how your nominee goes above and beyond their normal duties. Include community service and volunteer programs.

3) Please give specific examples of how your nominee meets 1 or more of the following criteria:*

a) Overall performance and accomplishments that regularly and consistently far exceed performance expectations, reflecting a high level of service, dedication, conscientiousness, compassion and applied skill.

b) Handling a high impact or critical situation which had important consequences for a department, Vanderbilt University or the community.

c) Developing or improving processes that resulted in significant productivity and/or cost savings improvements.

4) Please explain how your nominee serves as a role model or a mentor for others.  Give examples of professional development and accomplishments.  Show how he/she impacts the University.

5) Please describe how your nominee upholds Vanderbilt’s Mission, Goals, and Values.*

Division/Department point people will receive a link to the online nomination application form prior to Oct 1.  Please use the online nomination application form to submit your candidate for the Commodore Award Oct 1 - Nov 15.  If you have any questions, please contact Scott Glasgow at employeeappreciation@vanderbilt.edu

2017 Commodore Award Winners

Previous Commodore Award Winners 

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