Staff Awards

UNT staff members distinguish themselves through their work and the support they provide to help the university accomplish its mission -- to give students the best educational experience in Texas. These awards recognize outstanding staff members who go above and beyond in their duties to contribute to UNT’s quality and excellence, to provide excellent customer service, to support student success, and to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace and campus.

For an entire month, UNT celebrates Staff Appreciation to honor staff members’ dedication to being a support system for students, faculty and the entire campus community. The month-long celebration culminates with the university’s Service Awards Ceremony, where staff members are recognized among their peers for their service and commitment to the university.

Learn more about the nomination process.

Steve Miller Outstanding Employee Award

Named in memory of Steve Miller, former assistant vice president of Human Resources, this award recognizes staff members whose contributions have positively impacted their division or department and the university. This is the highest honor a UNT staff member can receive.

Administrative Professionals Award

Recognizes the administrative staff members who demonstrate hard work and commitment to ensure excellence in support of the University’s mission and success within their own respective programs.

Collaboration for Student Success Award

Honors staff who lead collaborative efforts across departments, units, or teams to create meaningful, coordinated strategies that positively impact student success.

Customer Service Award

Acknowledges staff members who go above and beyond to identify customers' needs and/or expectations and who establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with fellow staff, faculty, students and internal/external customers.

Creating UNiTy Award

Acknowledges the significant achievements of staff members who take positive steps to create a culture and climate of respect and inclusion, who value differences and find innovative ways to improve opportunities for the diverse communities we serve.

Digital Innovation Award

Acknowledges staff members who develop creative digital solutions that enhance the university experience and address emerging challenges. The individual(s) who receive this award is/are known for being willing to seize strategic opportunities, work across the aisle, and galvanize teams of key stakeholders who collectively exceed expectations on the most innovative of initiatives.

Digital Transformation Award

Acknowledges staff members who champion the adoption and successful implementation of digital innovations across the university, transforming how we work and serve our community. The individual(s) who receive this award is/are known for being willing to seize strategic opportunities, work across the aisle, and galvanize teams of key stakeholders who collectively exceed expectations on the most innovative of initiatives.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Recognizes executive staff leaders who illustrate outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the University through their leadership and service.

Excellence in Student Experience Award

The Excellence in Student Success Award Celebrates staff who enhance the student experience by improving processes, services, or programs in ways that center the needs and success of students.

Foundational Champion Award

This award acknowledges staff members who have consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment, and contributions to the University of North Texas community. This award aims to acknowledge those individuals who may not always receive the spotlight or recognition but play a crucial role in the success of the university.

Innovation in Student Success Award

The Innovation in Student Success Award recognizes staff who demonstrate exceptional creativity and forward-thinking in developing initiatives, programs, or solutions that significantly advance student success. 

Mentorship Award

Acknowledges staff members who have made a positive impact on their colleagues through effective mentorship, coaching or supervision.

Postdoctoral and Research Staff Excellence in Student Research Mentorship Award

The Postdoctoral and Research Staff Excellence in Student Research Mentorship Award recognizes postdoctoral and research staff members who have demonstrated exceptional research mentorship to undergraduate or graduate students at the university. This may include mentorship of research for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a staff member who, within the first two years of their staff position, has demonstrated a passion for his or her work, the institution and the UNT tradition. The recipient shows promise in his or her work field and is making a large impact on the UNT community.

Soaring Integrity Award

This award acknowledges staff members who work to “treat others the way they want to be treated” for the betterment of the UNT community. This employee models exceptional ethical behavior through thoughts, words, and deeds, they value honesty and transparency, express gratitude for others, respect differences, take responsibility for actions, and demonstrate trustworthiness. This award is earned by one who courageously leads by example regardless of if anyone sees it.

Staff Excellence Collaborative Impact Award

The Staff Excellence in Collaborative Impact Award recognizes a single, cross-divisional initiative involving two or more individuals or university departments that have partnered to advance strategic institutional priorities. This award celebrates teamwork that breaks down silos, fosters innovation, and demonstrates effective problem solving to deliver meaningful results for the university community.

Staff Excellence in Innovation Award

 The Staff Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes staff members who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, initiative, and impact in advancing innovation at the university. This may include process improvements, development of new tools or systems, creative problem-solving, or support of the UNT innovation ecosystem that fosters a culture of innovation. 

Staff Excellence in Research Award

Acknowledges staff members who have made exceptional contributions to the university research enterprise. These may include contributions in research support, research administration, or technical support.

Student Wellbeing Champion Award

The Student Wellbeing Champion Award recognizes staff who foster a sense of belonging, community, and wellness, creating supportive environments where students thrive. 

Teamwork Award

This award recognizes cross-divisional staff work groups who collaborate outside their traditional reporting unit to meet institutional goals or needs.

UNT Spirit Award

Recognizes staff members who consistently demonstrate a sense of pride in being a part of the UNT community by supporting staff, faculty and students, and by always promoting the university in a positive light. 

Presidential Awards

In addition to these, UNT staff members are also eligible for three UNT Presidential Awards: the UNT Community Award, the President's Special Recognition Award and the Bob Rogers Service and Community Engagement Award.