USM Board of Regents Staff Awards

The represent the highest honor bestowed by the Board of Regents for achievements of exempt and non-exempt staff employees from institutions within the University System of Maryland.

 

2027 nominations due by 5 p.m. August 26

Submit completed nomination materials in a single PDF. See additional nomination information below.

This is a staff award. Staff refers to personnel employed by the institution for roles other than teaching.

Award Criteria

For Non-Exempt Staff

The non-exempt staff nominee鈥檚 achievements should focus on the impact the individual has made on their department, institution, or campus community within one of the award categories specifically for non-exempt staff listed below:

This award showcases individuals who have impacted the broader campus community, reaching outside of their department.

Impact could include contributions such as: improving the campus environment, fostering cross sectional collaboration, enhancing campus life, or initiating successful projects that benefit the campus.

This award highlights a staff member who has put forth effort to cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their position, status, identities, or other personal attributes.

Recipients of this award actively promote multicultural understanding, equitable practices, and a sense of belonging emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving common goals.

This award highlights exceptional work specific to their position or department, demonstrated by effectiveness in job performance, resulting in significant contributions to their department's goals.

Recipients of this award consistently meet or exceed expectations, display a high level of professionalism, and set a benchmark for quality and excellence within their field.

This award celebrates an individual who consistently demonstrates outstanding collaboration, communication, and support within a team.

Recipients of this award go above and beyond to foster a positive work environment, contribute to collective goals, and uplift their peers. They strive in showcasing a commitment to the success of the entire team rather than just individual achievements.

This award recognizes individuals who not only embody admirable qualities and behaviors but also actively engage in formal or informal mentoring of others.

Recipients of this award embody the values and standards of the organization, inspire colleagues through their actions and attitude, and positively influence the workplace culture.

For Exempt Staff

The exempt staff nominee鈥檚 achievements should focus on the impact the individual has on their department, institution, or campus community and their extraordinary accomplishments within one of the award categories specifically for exempt staff listed below:

This award showcases staff who have demonstrated a track record of specific accomplishments over the course of their time working in the University System of Maryland.

Recipients of this award excel in multiple areas such as, but not limited to:

  • implementing creative approaches to improving processes and/or contribute to the success of the home unit / institution;
  • staff in non-supervisory roles who provide leadership, team building and/or mentoring;
  • staff in supervisory roles who consistently grow their unit / institution by supporting, mentoring, and advocating on behalf of their direct reports.

This award highlights a staff member who has put forth effort to cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their position, status, identities, or other personal attributes.

Recipients of this award actively promote multicultural understanding, equitable practices, and a sense of belonging emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving common goals.

This award recognizes exemplary staff with innovative ideas or approaches for leveraging existing resources that, when implemented, serve to further the Efficiency and Effectiveness (E&E) Initiative of the University System of Maryland (USM).

In 2015, USM launched E&E 2.0, which aims to enhance student success, continue innovation in teaching and learning, reengineer administrative processes, and reduce costs.

Complete nomination packets in this category must include (somewhere in the application materials): a brief description of the innovation and its potential benefits and magnitude (single institution, multi-institution, system-wide). The recipient may be invited to address the Board of Regents.

This award celebrates a staff member with a passion for and dedication to a project and/or cause and specific accomplishments that leverage the outreach and community engagement priorities of the institution / system.

Recipients of this award have, throughout their USM career, sustained a collaborative commitment to improving the greater community. The award recognizes contributions in and through their role in the University System of Maryland rather than as a private citizen.

This award recognizes a staff member who has consistently prioritized student success throughout their USM career and has a track record of making a difference and impact on students鈥� lives.

Recipients of this award have consistently led or contributed to programs and initiatives that have positively impacted and/or transformed the student experience.

Along with recognition, final award recipients receive a $2,000 stipend from the USM Board of Regents and all Towson University finalists are honored by the 91影视破解版 president with a $1,000 stipend.

Eligibility

  1. Nominees must be a Towson University staff employee in good standing*; including all staff employees in regular and contingent II status.
  2. Nominee must be employed within the University System of Maryland for at least five (5) consecutive years and in an non-exempt or exempt position at 91影视破解版 as of October 14, 2026. Recipients of the awards must still be employed at 91影视破解版 at the time the award recipient names are announced. (approximately March 2027)
  3. Chancellor, Presidents, Officers, and Senior Leadership are not eligible. At 91影视破解版 this applies to any staff employee ranked as Vice President or above.
  4. Any USM employee or student may nominate eligible staff with their knowledge and consent. Self-nominations from eligible staff are accepted.

Submit a Nomination

Using the links below, download the forms needed to submit a nomination. The call for nominations closes at 5 p.m. on August 26.

Submit your completed nomination materials as a single PDF document to  Signatures on letters are not required.

Nomination for Non-Exempt Nominee (WORD)

Nomination for Exempt Nominee (WORD)

*In good standing will be verified via the Office of Human Resources:

  • currently employed as regular or contingent II and not separated or terminated
  • not on disciplinary action or active corrective action
  • satisfactory performance status
  • no unresolved conduct concerns
  • meeting required employment conditions, such as mandatory trainings or compliance requirements

Past 91影视破解版 Recipients and Nominees

  • Brian Jara (2026)
  • Lauren Tigue Meredith (2025) - Recipient
  • Natasha Sweitzer (2025) - Recipient
  • Mike Franklin (2026) - Recipient
  • Anthony Rosas (2023) - Recipient
  • Jackie Gabrielian (2022) - Recipient
  • Julie Leary (2021) - Recipient
  • George Kram III (2018)
  • George Kram III (2017)
  • Marcie Weinstein (2015)
  • Marcie Weinstein (2014)
  • Steve Kolb (2013) - Recipient
  • Louise Miller (2012)
  • Barb Neal (2011)
  • Andrew Rosenblum (2025) - Recipient
  • Matthew Lenno (2026)
  • Michael T. Franklin (2025)
  • Kathryn Knaus (2023)
  • Felicity Knox (2022) - Recipient
  • Bobby Zengel (2021)
  • Kelly Ward (2021)
  • Debra Phillips (2020) - Recipient
  • Teresa Hardin (2019)
  • Teresa Hardin (2018)
  • John McKusiak (2017)
  • Karen Fulton (2016)
  • Jackie Gratz (2016)
  • Rick Walsh (2015)
  • Susan Willemin (2014)
  • Susan Weininger (2013) - Recipient
  • Felicity Knox (2013)
  • Jeffrey Klupt (2012)
  • Anne Dahne (2012)
  • Donna Guillot (2011)
  • Barbara Hufnagel (2011)
  • Gail Price (2010)
  • Louise Miller (2010)
  • Marilyn Dannefelser (2009)
  • Samuel Hannigan (2009)
  • Susan Turnbaugh (2007)
  • Jeffrey Klupt (2007)
  • Francine Musotto (2006)
  • Patricia Atkinson (2006)
  • Cyndi Zimmerman (2004) - Recipient
  • Angela Rehrmann (2004)
  • Warren Riefner (2004)
  • Deborah Leather (2004)
  • Laurie Jones (2004)
  • Henry O. Jackson (2024) - Recipient
  • Karen Pottash (2023)
  • Patricia Watson (2021) - Recipient
  • Antwaine Smith (2020) - Recipient
  • Antwaine Smith (2019)
  • Jackie Durbin (2018)
  • Greg Primrose (2017)
  • Katie Simmons-Barth (2016) - Recipient
  • Greg Primrose (2016)
  • Randy Peaker (2015)
  • Bobbie Laur (2015)
  • Jayne French (2014) - Recipient
  • Bobbie Laur (2014)
  • Susan Willemin (2013)
  • Heather Sorensen (2012)
  • Gail Price (2012) - Recipient
  • Bernie Gerst (2011)
  • Karen Fulton (2010)
  • Bernie Gerst (2010)
  • James Spivack (2009)
  • Randy Peaker (2009)
  • James Spivack (2006)
  • Gail Price (2006)
  • Nance Reed (2004)
  • Susanna Craine (2004)
 
  • Cynthia M. Baker (2024)
  • Mary K. Stapleton (2023)
  • Jennifer Stano (2022)
  • Jennifer Stano (2021)
  • Jayne French (2019) - Recipient
  • Susan Willemin (2018) - Recipient
  • Tammie King-Kelly (2026) - Recipient
  • Tammie King-Kelly (2025)
  • Tammie King-Kelly (2024)
  • Liz Shearer (2022)
  • Liz Shearer (2021)
  • Marjorie Tversky (2019)
  • Kanji Takeno (2017)
  • Jeannie Mauldin (2016)
  • Lisa Simmons-Barth (2014)
  • Jeffrey Klupt (2013) - Recipient
  • Pat Szymezak (2013)
  • Tracy Miller (2012) - Recipient
  • Mary Mauldin (2012)
  • Patricia Frawley (2011)
  • Stephanie Fowler (2010)
  • Raft Woodus (2009) - Recipient
  • Mary Leeper (2009) - Recipient
  • Barbara Neal (2006)