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Staff Awards

People, Culture and Belonging

Vanderbilt University recognizes staff’s outstanding work and contributions to the university and beyond through its staff awards program. These awards are designed to spotlight the talents, dedication and professionalism that staff bring to their work at the university, and to celebrate the rich diversity of contributions that are foundational to Vanderbilt’s excellence as a center for research and empowering education.

Depending on the award, an individual and/or team, may be nominated. Please see the specific awards for more information. If multiple individuals want to submit nominations for the same candidate, the selection committee would prefer a single nomination. Nominations can be submitted through the InfoReady platform:  https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#university-opportunities.

2026 Spring Staff Assembly

All Vanderbilt University staff are invited to attend the sixth Annual Spring Staff Assembly on Wednesday, May 13. More information to come. 

Spring Awards

Commodore Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time exempt and non-exempt staff member(s) who have made significant contributions to Vanderbilt University’s pursuit of excellence in education, research, and community service. Each award winner will receive a cash award of $5,000 and an engraved physical award. 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. Seasonal, intermittent, or VTS employees are ineligible.

    Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, faculty or postdoctoral scholars through the online nomination form and are open through Friday, Feb 27. Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Commodore Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Jawarece KojaCustodial Services
    2025Melissa WocherCollege of Arts and Science
    2024Linda Sharpe CoxCampus Dining
    2022Kathy SmithLearning and Residential Affairs: Libraries
    2021Donna F. SmithHuman and Organizational Development
    2021Daravanh WeeksUndergraduate Medical Education
    2020Valeria Y. CobbSusan Gray School
    2020Randall P. TarkingtonHousing and Residential Education
    2019Sheree WrightGeneral Counsel
    2019Elizabeth BumpousOwen Graduate School of Management
    2018Dennis SpannSchool of Nursing
    2018Antoinette HicksBusiness Services
    2017Danny McKissackGrounds Maintenance
    2017Lilliana RodriguezSpanish and Portuguese
    2016Karen PageSchool of Engineering
    2015Judy BrandonOffice of Dean of Students
    2014Clair GantEdgehill Child & Family Center
    2013Rosemary MoodyLeadership, Policy and Organization

Excellence in Culture Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time exempt and a non-exempt staff member who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in nurturing the Vanderbilt culture within the Vanderbilt University community. These individuals have shown dedication to creating an environment where all members feel valued, respected and empowered. The award consists of a $2,500 prize and a physical award for each recipient.

    Candidates must be regular full-time staff members with a minimum of three years of consecutive Vanderbilt service and have not previously received the award. Seasonal, intermittent, or VTS employees are ineligible.

    Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, faculty or postdoctoral scholars through the online nomination form and are open through Friday, Feb 27. Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the BelongingExcellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Romy FrankEnglish Language Center
    2024Heidi BatesNursing Science
    2023Jermaine SotoFaculty Affairs
    2023Ally JacobsPeabody College
    2022Denise JohnsonResearch Finance
    2022Portlyn CruiseHealth Sciences Education
    2021Midori LocketteGovernment and Community Relations
    2021Antonio RobinsonInformation Technology

Vanderbilt Early Impact Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member who has worked at Vanderbilt University for a minimum of one year and less than five years (below the director or department head level) and has exhibited excellent performance that shows promise of future growth in their field. This individual exemplifies professionalism and has made significant contributions as a staff member at Vanderbilt. The award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. Vanderbilt University staff, postdocs, and faculty may nominate full-time staff for this award during the nomination period. Self-nomination is not allowed. Seasonal, intermittent, or VTS employees are ineligible.

    Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, faculty or postdoctoral scholars through the online nomination form and are open through Friday, Feb 27. Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Vanderbilt Early Impact Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Michael ColeyInstitute for the Advancement of Higher Education
    2025Jonathan SantanaEqual Opportunity and Access
    2024Julia HeinzenDepartment of Chemistry
    2023Bryan O'CallahanChild and Family Center
    2023Ashley HaddardSchool of Medicine: Basic Sciences
    2022Paige SnayCenter for Teaching
    2021William G. HansenHealth Sciences Education
    2021Bill BurgessStudent Access

Mentorship Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member who serves as a role model by inspiring colleagues and promoting professional development. This individual demonstrates excellence in mentorship and embodies Vanderbilt’s Purpose and Beliefs (https://brand.vanderbilt.edu/who-we-are/).

    The award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. Vanderbilt University staff, postdocs, and faculty may nominate full-time staff for this award during the nomination period. Self-nomination is not allowed. Regular full-time staff members at Vanderbilt University may be nominated for the award; seasonal, intermittent, or VTS employees are ineligible.

    Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, faculty or postdoctoral scholars through the online nomination form and are open through Friday, Feb 27. Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Mentorship Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Joey SimmonsSchool of Medicine Basic Sciences
    2024Stacey CrowhurstFacilities Services
    2023Angela EedsPeabody College
    2022Trey BeasleyTreasury
    2021Ally SullivanFacilities

One Vanderbilt Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff team, department and/or group that has demonstrated collaborative excellence on behalf of the university community. The team has worked across the university on a project, significant effort or initiative that advances Vanderbilt’s mission (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/about/).

    The selected team receives up to $10,000 ($1,000 maximum per individual) and a physical award. Any team comprised of more than 10 individuals will not receive more than the $10,000 maximum award. Staff, postdocs, and faculty at Vanderbilt University may nominate a team for this award during the nomination period. Self-nomination is allowed. The nominated team should be comprised of full-time staff; seasonal, intermittent, or VTS employees are ineligible.

    Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, faculty or postdoctoral scholars through the online nomination form and are open through Friday, Feb 27. Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the One Vanderbilt Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025

    Carolyn Roberts

    Alissa West

    Braylon Junior Lundergan

    Andrew McClenney

    Zach Inman

    Aaron Villarreal

    Cathy Whitlow

    Tina Sevier

    Daniel Murphree

    Peyton Hall

    Shawn Xu

    		Immersion Vanderbilt: Your Enrollment Services
    2024Charlton Adams
    Ali Behnam-Gilani
    Chris Bransford
    Rick Carlton
    Alex Enferadi
    Scott Evans
    Andy Green
    Andrew Harrell
    Michael Hubbard
    Russ Hudson
    Parker Jones
    Rachel Kurilko
    Kathryn Maggart
    Dave Mathews
    Barry McCurry
    Marcus Newman
    Eric Nupp
    Philip Payne
    Justin Porter
    Jeremy Pratt
    Eric Taylor
    Angie Titus
    Dane Vick
    Mike Viera
    Jonathan Topf*    		Telecomms Project Team with VU Information Technology
    2024Kevin Borgic
    Dwayne Burton
    Derek Fultz
    Steve Gitzchlag
    Mollie Laws
    Nora Melton
    Sean Michael
    Cailin Pete
    Meghan Shaw
    Troy Weber
    Brittany Weinberg
    Erika Wraley    		Vanderbilt Catering and Events
    2023Lynn Maddox
    Dana Meeks
    Brenda Kole
    Erika Wraley
    Johnny Vanderpool
    Mark Stannard
    Midori Lockett
    Elizabeth Bumpas
    Jill Stratton
    Alex Wendt    		Clinton Global Initiative Team
    2023Holly Harden
    Joe Kovolyan
    Jeff Wakefield
    Brian Loftis
    Lee Langley
    Daniel Fleet
    Henry James
    David Hobson
    Pete Duguay
    Chris Thompson
    Ryan Espinoza
    Michael Newson
    Anthony Lewis
    Clarence Gardner    		Facilities
    2022Ashley Brown
    Antonella Valdivia
    Brittany Pomilee
    Kauthar Gaber
    Destiny Savage
    Ashton Sawyers
    Cam Alden
    Kristin Torrey    		IgniteVU Project Team
    2021Courtney Berry
    Daniel Coradazzi
    Evyn Cosgrove
    Kerrie Turney
    Lauren Moon
    Lauren Tillman
    Leslie Lemus
    Michael Jones
    Nasine De La Rosa
    Oliva Farley
    RC Stabile
    Jorge Wellmann    		Residential Education
    2021Aaron Longhurst
    Beatrice Nolan
    Christopher Reddon
    Ericka Foster
    Hobert Woods
    Katesha Roland
    Lattica Mitchell
    Leopoldo Sguera
    Mamand Taabur
    Marina Bazdarevic
    Ricky Hughes    		Custodial Services

Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service

  • About

    A new accolade started in 2024, the Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service honors an individual who has met unexpected challenges and opportunities with innovation, persistence and courage that go beyond the outstanding performance of their day-to-day duties, demonstrating the highest dedication to the university’s mission and values.   

  • Past Winners
    2024Tony BrownParking Services
       

Fall Awards

Community Impact Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member and/or staff group/team who represent(s) Vanderbilt University externally through community engagement, service, association leadership or other outreach, that creates a better understanding of the university to those who are not necessarily a part of our immediate Vanderbilt “community.”

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. A selected team receives up to $10,000 ($2,500 maximum per individual) and a physical award. The team’s maximum size is 10 staff members.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Community Impact Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Megan AltemusVanderbilt Center for Addiction Research
    2024Jessamyn DavisPublic Safety's Office of Emergency Management
    2023Veleashia Byrd
    ReChard Peel
    Jackie Grant
    Rosevelt Noble    		Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center
    2022Paige EllenbergerCollege of Arts and Science
    2021Elaine Gallagher
    Sophia Murray
    Angela Jones
    Linda Wilson
    Sheteka Phillips
    Jamie Broadwater    		Vanderbilt Child and Family Care, Childcare Administration Team

Professional Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member who contributes to Vanderbilt University’s success. The staff member has gone significantly above and beyond the specific job duties and has demonstrated excellence in supporting Vanderbilt’s mission. This individual positively influences the work environment, fosters cooperation, achieves goals, and/or overcomes obstacles, while carrying out employment responsibilities.

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Professional Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Susan HilderbrandGraduate School
    2025James KnightCampus Dining
    2025Bart BrunkVanderbilt’s Office of Investments
    2024Bonnie ErteltCommunications & Marketing
    2024Helene HowellSusan Gray School
    2023Scotty GlasgowFacilities
    2022Micala MaddoxCollege of Arts and Science
    2022Carol NelsonBusiness Services
    2021Christina CunninghamDirector of Administration, Undergraduate Affairs and Residential Faculty
    2021Anthony JonesSenior Cook, Commons Dining Center

Innovation Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member and/or staff group/team who demonstrates excellence in innovation that has had a meaningful and significant impact on a process, program, or initiative at the Vanderbilt University. This individual and/or staff group/team has implemented or attempted a new system or approach in the past 12-18 months.

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. A selected team receives up to $10,000 ($2,500 maximum per individual) and a physical award. The team’s maximum size is 10 staff members.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Innovation Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Ariana Amaya
    Lauren Bethune-Dix
    Lindsay Krech
    Megan Macon
    Sophie Downing
    Thomas Anglim
    Hannah Oakley
    Steven Greiner
    Caitlin Bernstein    		Next Steps Program
    2025Doug Best
    Kriska Nagle
    Emily Svennevik    		Campus Dining Training
    2024Joanna Echols
    Chance Ryon
    Hannah Johnson
    Jonathan Pate
    Whitney Coppinger    		People, Culture and Belonging Vanderbilt Voyage
    2023Diana Vasquez
    Carrie Sennet
    Clay Sturgeon
    Candace McClure
    Kara Blake
    Taylor Bool
    Kelly Croteau
    Rhett McDaniel    		School of Nursing D3 Team
    2022Allison Varble, School of Nursing
    Beth Rivas, School of Medicine: Basic Sciences
    Emma Pacilli, School of Medicine: Basic Sciences    		NORA Core Leadership Team
    2021Charmin Bates, Division of Communications and Marketing
    Kate Derrick, Division of Communications and Marketing
    Natalie Figlio, Division of Communications and Marketing
    Neha Khetan, Division of Communications and Marketing
    Natascha Heckers, Division of Communications and Marketing
    Daniel Loxley, Athletics
    Tamara Cooley, Public Safety
    Johnny Vanderpool, Emergency Preparedness
    Robert West, Plant Operations
    Susan Kennedy, Office of the Chancellor    		Double Commencement Team

Research Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member and/or staff group/team whose efforts in support of research at Vanderbilt University has been exemplary and significantly impactful in the process of discovery or knowledge.

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. A selected team receives up to $10,000 ($2,500 maximum per individual) and a physical award. The team’s maximum size is 10 staff members.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Research Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025 Mayme Van Meveren Biochemistry
    2025 Yilin Yang Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
    2024 Prashant Singh Dept of Pharmacology
    2023 Alec Rodriguez
    2023 Mellisa Chambers
    Scott Collier    		 Vanderbilt CRYO-EM
    2022 John Fellenstein College of Arts and Science
    2021 Jennifer Skelton
    Linda Gower
    Leesa Sampson    		 Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource

Student Impact Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member and/or staff group/team who has gone above and beyond to positively affect the quality of life of students at Vanderbilt University. This could be through access, resources, mentorship, or service. The staff member and/or staff should have a positive impact on the students’ continued success at Vanderbilt.

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award. A selected team receives up to $10,000 ($2,500 maximum per individual) and a physical award. The team’s maximum size is 10 staff members.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Student Impact Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025John BradleyWriting Studio and Tutoring Services
    2024Nick HyerGraduate and Postdoc Academic Success Program
    2023Chris King
    Lauren Rains    		Health Professions Advisory Office
    2023Sebastian Larrea
    Valerie Schweizer-Robinson    		LAPOP Undergraduate Research Assistant Program
    2022Tim GrovesSchool of Nursing
    2021Michelle KovashAssociate Director for Student Affairs, Law

Leadership Excellence Award

  • About

    Awarded to a full-time staff member who shows outstanding commitment to the Vanderbilt University’s mission by exhibiting strong leadership, such as: building engagement and trust, coaching and developing others, leading with courage, building partnerships, among others. The staff member will show commitment to empowering, educating, and supporting Vanderbilt colleagues.

    An individual award consists of a prize of $2,500 and a physical award.

    Please email pcb@vanderbilt.edu with any questions related to the Leadership Excellence Award.

  • Past Winners
    2025Lucas Ryan LemonsFacilities
    2025Alan BentleyCenter for Technology Transfer and Commercialization
    2024Jennifer BischoffOffice of Provost for Research and Innovation
    2023Beth Sims 
    2023Bryn SierraSchool of Medicine
    2022Olivia SoxayachanchFinance
    2022Laura BarkerFacilities
    2021Cara Tuttle BellDirector of Project Safe
    2021Mark HarringtonSupervisor Control Systems, Utility Distribution

Questions or Comments? Contact  pcb@vanderbilt.edu  - thanks!

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