Faculty and Staff Awards

Established in 2016, the Dean’s Honor Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who exemplifies Penn State’s core values through exceptional contributions to the college community. This distinguished award honors individuals who demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service.

Recipients of this award:

• Foster a culture of respect and community by building strong, collaborative relationships that advance shared goals
• Demonstrate integrity and responsibility through dependable, high-quality service to colleagues, students, and the broader college
• Exhibit perseverance and innovation (discovery) in advancing impactful initiatives that enhance the academic and workplace environment
• Uphold a standard of excellence in their work while contributing meaningfully to a positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking college culture

Please Note: The nomination process for this award is separate from the IST Faculty and Staff Awards process. If you would like to recommend a nominee for this award, please reach out to an Associate Dean or the Chief of Staff to review and collaborate on the nomination. The Dean will review the nominations and determine if nominees are worthy of being recognized.

Judging Criteria:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering collaboration, building relationships, and contributing to a positive, inclusive college community
• Consistently models ethical behavior, accountability, and respect in all interactions with colleagues, students, and partners
• Provides exceptional service and support that enhances the experience of faculty, staff, and students
• Advances meaningful initiatives or solutions that improve processes, programs, or the overall college environment
• Maintains high standards of performance while showing resilience and dedication in overcoming challenges

The amount of a one-time supplemental compensation will be $1,500. Nominations will be accepted at any point during the year; recipients will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony following their award.

Nomination Form

This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who demonstrates a sustained commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and engaged college community. Through service, mentorship, and contributions to humanitarian or sustainability efforts, the recipient strengthens connections, supports others, and advances a culture grounded in respect and belonging. This individual exemplifies Penn State's values through their service, integrity, and sense of responsibility, consistently making a positive and meaningful impact on the college and broader community. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Eligibility: Nominees must be employed by the College of IST for a minimum of one year as of the nomination deadline. Any regular (as defined in policy HR34) IST staff members of the College of Information Sciences and Technology at University Park are eligible for the award. Term of employment is based on most recent IST date of hire (consecutive time) for full-time faculty and staff. Individuals that work 75% FTE are eligible. This does not include: wage, FT2, SUPP, adjunct, post-doc, visiting or emeritus. Individuals, who provide service to IST but their primary work unit (development, finance, human resources, etc.), is outside of IST are eligible. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible for that particular award the following year.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation will be based upon the supporting statement and examples of how the nominee has helped build a community within the college.

Nomination: Any staff or faculty member may bring forward one nominee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominators will be responsible for assembling support materials (including support statement).

Requirements:

• A completed nomination form that includes a brief statement (300-word limit) supporting your reasoning for this award nomination
• One additional supporting statement (300-word limit) from an individual within the college.
• Supplemental materials will not be accepted.

Selection Process: The nomination statements will be reviewed, and the recipients shall be selected by the IST Dean's Leadership Team. Any staff that are members of the Dean’s Leadership Team and nominated for the award will be recused from the discussions and decisions. The Dean has the authority to make changes to these guidelines.

Judging Criteria:

• Demonstrates meaningful contributions to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and connected college community
• Actively contributes to a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture that reflects shared values and strengthens the college environment
• Shows sustained commitment to service, outreach, and/or initiatives that support social good or sustainability
• Provides clear evidence of positive, lasting impact on individuals, teams, or the broader college community
• Takes initiative and inspires others through collaboration, mentorship, and a positive, solutions-oriented approach

Nomination Form

This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to fostering inclusion, belonging, and success across the College of IST. Recipients advance Penn State's values by creating welcoming environments, expanding opportunities for engagement and growth, and helping members of the college community thrive. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Through their work, honorees exemplify integrity and responsibility by advancing equitable opportunities, removing barriers to access, and strengthening a culture where all members of the college community feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Their efforts contribute to student success while also fostering a more inclusive, connected, and engaged community through mentorship, outreach, programming, advocacy, or innovative initiatives.

Contributions may be direct or indirect, recognizing that student success is advanced through the collective efforts of faculty and staff across all areas of the college. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Eligibility: Nominees must be employed by the College of IST for a minimum of one year as of the nomination deadline. Any regular (as defined in policy HR34) IST staff members of the College of Information Sciences and Technology at University Park are eligible for the award. Term of employment is based on most recent IST date of hire (consecutive time) for full-time faculty and staff. Individuals that work 75% FTE are eligible. This does not include: wage, FT2, SUPP, adjunct, post-doc, visiting or emeritus. Individuals, who provide service to IST, but their primary work unit (development, finance, human resources, etc.), is outside of IST are eligible. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible for that particular award the following year.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation will be based upon the supporting statement and examples of how the nominee has contributed in making the College of IST a welcoming climate to foster diversity and promote equity.

Nomination: Any staff or faculty member may bring forward one nominee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominators will be responsible for assembling support materials (including support statement).

Requirements:

• A completed nomination form that includes a brief statement (300-word limit) supporting your reasoning for this award nomination
• One additional supporting statement (300-word limit) from an individual within the college.
• Supplemental materials will not be accepted.

Selection Process: The nomination statements will be reviewed, and the recipients shall be selected by the IST Dean's Leadership Team. Any staff that are members of the Dean’s Leadership Team and nominated for the award will be recused from the discussions and decisions. The Dean has the authority to make changes to these guidelines.

Judging Criteria:

• Creates an inclusive, welcoming environment where members of the college community feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Removes barriers and promotes equitable access to opportunities, resources, and engagement.
• Demonstrates meaningful contributions that support student success while strengthening a culture of belonging and inclusion.
• Leads or supports programs, mentorship, outreach, or innovative initiatives that enhance inclusion, engagement, and learning.
• Collaborates effectively with others to advance an inclusive, supportive, and connected IST community.

Nomination Form

This award recognizes a staff member or team that delivers consistently exceptional support across the college. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to innovation, accountability, and meaningful impact in their work, using effective practices that elevate service and operations. Their contributions reflect Penn State’s values and have a measurable, positive impact on the success and experience of the college community. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. In the case of a team award, the team will receive a cash award of $1000 that will be equally divided among the team with no team member receiving less than $100. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Eligibility: Nominees must be employed by the College of IST for a minimum of one year as of the nomination deadline. Any full-time IST staff members (as defined in policy HR34) at University Park are eligible for the award. Term of employment is based on most recent IST date of hire (consecutive time) for full-time faculty and staff. Individuals that work 75% FTE are eligible. This does not include: wage, FT2, SUPP, adjunct, post-doc, visiting or emeritus. Individuals, who provide service to IST, but their primary work unit (development, finance, human resources, etc.), is outside of IST are eligible. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible for that particular award the following year.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation will be based upon the supporting statement and examples of the nominee's high standards of customer service to the college and its varied clientele including staff, administration, faculty, students and visitors to the college.

Nomination: Any staff or faculty member may bring forward one nominee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominators will be responsible for assembling support materials (including support statement).

Requirements:

• A completed nomination form that includes a brief statement (300-word limit) supporting your reasoning for this award nomination
• One additional supporting statement (300-word limit) from an individual within the college.
• Supplemental materials will not be accepted.

Selection Process: The nomination statements will be reviewed, and the recipients shall be selected by the IST Dean's Leadership Team. Any staff who are members of the Dean’s Leadership Team and nominated for the award will be recused from the discussions and decisions. The Dean has the authority to make changes to these guidelines.

Judging Criteria:

• Consistently delivers high-quality, reliable support that strengthens college operations and enhances the experience of faculty, staff, and students
• Demonstrates measurable contributions that positively influence outcomes, efficiency, or the overall effectiveness of the college
• Applies creative thinking and effective practices to improve processes, elevate service delivery, or solve challenges
• Models responsibility, dependability, and integrity in all aspects of their work
• Embodies Penn State’s values while fostering collaboration, respect, and a positive, inclusive environment

Nomination Form

This award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to excellence through their contributions to significant projects, initiatives, or programs within the college. Recipients embody Penn State's values of integrity, excellence, and responsibility while leading with vision, perseverance, initiative, and collaboration to advance college priorities and achieve meaningful results. Their efforts influence positive change across the organization, inspire others through their example, and make lasting contributions that advance the mission and success of the college and broader University community. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Eligibility: Nominees must be employed by the College of IST for a minimum of one year as of the nomination deadline. Any full-time IST staff members (as defined in policy HR34) at University Park are eligible for the award. Term of employment is based on most recent IST date of hire (consecutive time) for full-time faculty and staff. Individuals that work 75% FTE are eligible. This does not include: wage, FT2, SUPP, adjunct, post-doc, visiting or emeritus. Individuals, who provide service to IST, but their primary work unit (development, finance, human resources, etc.), is outside of IST are eligible. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible for that particular award the following year.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation will be based upon the supporting statement and examples of either the nominee's leadership and perseverance toward the completion of a major project or program within the college, or the nominee's overall high standard of work and leadership.

Nomination: Any staff or faculty member may bring forward one nominee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominators will be responsible for assembling support materials (including support statement).

Requirements:

• A completed nomination form that includes a brief statement (300-word limit) supporting your reasoning for this award nomination
• One additional supporting statement (300-word limit) from an individual within the college.
• Supplemental materials will not be accepted.

Selection Process: The nomination statements will be reviewed and the recipients shall be selected by the IST Dean's Leadership Team. Any staff that are members of the Dean’s Leadership Team and nominated for the award will be recused from the discussions and decisions. The Dean has the authority to make changes to these guidelines.

Judging Criteria:

• Demonstrates exceptional leadership and initiative in advancing significant projects, initiatives, or programs that support college priorities
• Achieves meaningful results that contribute to the success, growth, or strategic advancement of the college
• Maintains high standards of quality and performance while navigating complex challenges and driving outcomes
• Effectively engages, influences, and collaborates with others to foster teamwork and advance shared goals
• Models Penn State's values through integrity, responsibility, professionalism, and consistent follow-through
• Inspires others through their example and makes lasting contributions that strengthen the college community

Nomination Form

This award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and strong potential for continued impact within the College of IST and the University. Recipients embody Penn State's values through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the mission of the college and the University. Through innovation, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges, they make meaningful contributions and demonstrate the potential for continued success and influence within the college and broader University community. The recipient will be given a cash award of $1000 along with a certificate. The college is not obligated to make an award every year.

Eligibility: Nominees must be employed by the College of IST for a minimum of six months as of the nomination deadline. Any full-time IST staff members (as defined in policy HR34) at University Park are eligible for the award. Term of employment is based on most recent IST date of hire (consecutive time) for full-time faculty and staff. Individuals that work 75% FTE are eligible. This does not include: wage, FT2, SUPP, adjunct, post-doc, visiting or emeritus. Individuals, who provide service to IST, but their primary work unit (development, finance, human resources, etc.) is outside of IST, are eligible. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible for that particular award the following year.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation will be based upon the supporting statement and examples of the nominee's exceptional performance, professionalism, and their potential to impact the College/University.

Nomination: Any staff or faculty member may bring forward one nominee. Self-nominations will be accepted. Nominators will be responsible for assembling support materials (including support statement).

Requirements:

• A completed nomination form that includes a brief statement (300-word limit) supporting your reasoning for this award nomination
• One additional supporting statement (300-word limit) from an individual within the college.
• Supplemental materials will not be accepted.

Selection Process: The nomination statements will be reviewed and the recipients shall be selected by the IST Dean's Leadership Team. Any staff that are members of the Dean’s Leadership Team and nominated for the award will be recused from the discussions and decisions. The Dean has the authority to make changes to these guidelines.

Judging Criteria:

• Demonstrates consistently strong performance and a high level of professionalism in their role
• Shows proactive initiative and a commitment to continuous learning and personal development
• Makes meaningful contributions through creative thinking, problem-solving, and improvement of processes or programs
• Builds positive relationships and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive college environment
• Demonstrates strong potential to grow as a leader and positively influence the college and broader University community

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Outstanding achievement in research and scholarly activity in privacy, cybersecurity, security, risk, policy, or related areas; publications, funded research, innovation, recognition, collaborations, and impact.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department and who teach courses within the College of IST. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Exceptional commitment to teaching and student success; innovative teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, experiential learning, student engagement, and impact on learning.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Outstanding achievement in research and scholarly activity in human-centered computing, social informatics, HCI, information behavior, or related fields; impactful scholarship and recognition.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department and who teach courses within the College of IST. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Exceptional commitment to teaching and student success; innovative and inclusive teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, experiential learning, and student impact.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Outstanding achievement in research and scholarly activity in data science, AI, machine learning, intelligent systems, informatics, or related fields; innovation, publications, funding, and recognition.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.

Eligibility: Those eligible for the award are all full-time faculty members with a primary appointment in the department and who teach courses within the College of IST. Faculty may not receive the same department-level award within two consecutive years. Recipient receives $500 and a certificate.

Selection Criteria: Exceptional commitment to teaching and student success; innovative teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, experiential learning, and student impact.

Selection Process: After the annual period of review, the department's FAR committee will select the winner of this award and will forward their selection to the department head and the college. Faculty members not completing a FAR in a given year can be nominated for this award by the department head, who will provide the FAR committee with the relevant materials.