Staff Senate Awards Program – Cornerstone Award

The NC State Staff Senate Service Awards aim to recognize and celebrate staff members who consistently demonstrate excellence in their roles. These awards will highlight individuals whose dedication, professionalism and contributions help advance the university’s mission and foster a positive campus environment that uplifts their colleagues and sets an example for outstanding public service—within the scope of their formal responsibilities.

Over fifty nominations were received from nearly every district, and the four finalists, along with all nominees, were recognized at the March 4, 2026 Staff Senate meeting.

Goals of the Program

• Recognize and Reward Excellence: Acknowledge staff who excel in their positions and significantly contribute to the NC State community.
• Promote Staff Senate Values: Reinforce the values and mission of the Staff Senate throughout the university.
• Boost Morale and Engagement: Foster a positive workplace culture and enhance employee morale.
• Encourage Positive Behaviors: Recognize actions aligned with the university’s and Staff Senate’s goals.
• Highlight Staff Contributions: Increase awareness of staff impact among faculty, students and administrators.
• Strengthen Community: Build a stronger sense of unity and mutual appreciation among staff members.

Award Details

The award recognizes staff members who:

• Consistently perform their roles with excellence.
• Demonstrate professionalism and dedication to NC State’s mission.
• Foster a collaborative and welcoming environment.
• Set a positive role model for their colleagues.

Examples of Qualifying Contributions

• Representing staff interests and facilitating meaningful communication across campus.
• Promoting collaboration and building a sense of community among staff.
• Demonstrating innovative problem-solving, improved efficiency, or commitment to quality work.
• Supporting the professional development or well-being of colleagues.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all permanent SHRA and EPS employees (including county operations support services staff paid through NC State) who:

• Are in good standing with the university.
• Demonstrates excellence in their position
• Reflect the values and mission of NC State.
• Employed at NC State in an EPS or SHRA role for at least 6 months before December 31, 2025

Exclusions: Active Staff Senators, Alternate Senators and officers of the Staff Senate are not eligible. An immediate past-recipient of a University Award for Excellence is also not eligible.

Nomination Process

Who Can Nominate

• Staff colleagues (peers, supervisors or others who work directly with the nominee).
• Optionally, faculty or students who have directly benefited from the nominee’s contributions.
• Staff Senators or Staff Senate Officers

Deadline to Submit a Nomination

Completed nomination forms for the Staff Senate Cornerstone Award are due by February 11, 2026, at 5pm.

For more information about this process please reach out to the Staff Senate chair at staff_senate_chair@ncsu.edu.