Faculty & Staff Awards

A sunny lawn in the background and a Western bronzed medallion in the foreground

 

The following faculty and staff awards are presented at the Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony typically held in the late spring. The Call for Nominations typically goes out in the fall, with several faculty-focused awards opening in October, and the other awards opening in November. 

Please click on each award listed below for further details, nomination information, and the department or entity that manages each award.

Awards

Click each award for more information, including past awardees, award criteria, nomination information and more.

All-Time Recipient Lists by Award

Nominations OpenFacultyResearch

The Arlan Norman Award for Excellence in Student Mentoring recognizes a faculty member in the College of Science and Engineering for excellence in mentoring student research.

There are two categories of this award, one award will go to a Graduate Mentor and one to an Undergraduate Mentor. The financial award goes to the students of the faculty recipients, plus additional funds for supplies to support the student’s summer research.

Nominations OpenFacultyStaff

The Carl H. Simpson Bridging Award is made annually to a student, staff or faculty member who has created bridges and forged new paths that others may follow and build upon in turn. During his twenty-five years working at Western as a professor and administrator, Carl H.

Nominations OpenFaculty

The Excellence in Teaching Award goes to an inspirational and transformational faculty member* from one of the following colleges: 

Nominations OpenStaff

The Outstanding Classified Staff Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies a positive and creative approach to problem solving and innovation. Their work significantly advances departmental goals and/or the university mission through initiative, leadership, or creative problem-solving. With the support of the President, the two classified staff unions on campus (WFSE and PSE) together select members to receive this award.

Nominations OpenFaculty

The Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award recognizes a WWU faculty member* who has made outstanding and impactful efforts that have enriched the intellectual vitality of the campus and/or the broader community. This work may include service to the University, to service-learning programs, to outreach programs to the local and broader community, and service to the profession. 

Nominations OpenFacultyResearch

The Outstanding Scholarship Award is given each year to a faculty member* from one of the following colleges in recognition of their excellent record of scholarship and research at Western:

Nominations OpenFacultyResearch

Named after the eleventh president of Western, the Paul J. Olscamp Research Award goes to a faculty member from either the College of Humanities and Social Sciences or the College of Science and Engineering in recognition of their impressive record of achievement in scholarship and research during their time at Western.

Nominations OpenFaculty

The Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award, named for Western’s former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is given to a faculty member from either the College of Humanities and Social Sciences or the College of Science and Engineering, in recognition for their exemplary teaching practices. 

Nominations OpenFacultyStaff

The Western Washington University Philip E. Sharpe Community Engagement Award, named in honor of former WWU Board of Trustee member and active community volunteer Phil Sharpe, is given annually to a staff member, faculty memor, or group of Western employees involved in outstanding community service, including outreach and engagement activities that benefit the well-being of the community at large or individual(s) in the community. 

Examples of service:

Nominations OpenFacultyStaff

The President’s Exceptional Effort Awards are presented to up to eight Professional or Classified employees or faculty who have demonstrated an exceptional effort in support of one or more of the three core themes of the strategic plan: Advancing Inclusive Success, Increasing Washington Impact, and/or Enhancing Academic Excellence. 

Nominations OpenStaff

The Professional Staff Award for Excellence recognizes a member of the professional staff whose work has demonstrated excellence in their work through one or more of the following: exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; exceptional integrity, professionalism, and job performance that inspires excellence in others; exceptional dedication to encouraging initiative, creativity, and exploration of new ideas through work and interaction with others.

Nominations OpenFaculty

The Ronald Kleinknecht Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to one instructor or visiting faculty member from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences who has made outstanding contributions to teaching at WWU. The award was established by Ronald A. Kleinknecht, the founding dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Nominations OpenFacultyStaff

The Team Recognition Award recognizes a team of Western employees who exemplify cooperation, collaboration, and open communication.

Nominations OpenFaculty

Each year, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni requests nominations from WWU alumni for the current or retired Western faculty member who has made an enduring impact on their lives as a student and professional.

Nominations ClosedFacultyStaff

ON HOLD FOR 2025: The Office of Equity is in the process of restructuring this award so that it better aligns with Western's institutional ADEI plan, needs, and goals.