At Rice University, recognizing and celebrating staff achievements is an essential part of fostering a supportive and engaged campus community. Staff members play a vital role in advancing the university’s mission, and their dedication deserves to be acknowledged in meaningful ways. To promote a culture of appreciation, Staff Council has compiled a comprehensive Staff Awards repository—a one-stop resource that highlights the many ways staff contributions are honored across campus. Whether through university-wide, division-specific, or department-level awards, this resource ensures that Rice staff are recognized for their hard work, commitment, and impact. By increasing awareness of these opportunities, Staff Council hopes to inspire more nominations and strengthen Rice’s culture of recognition and gratitude.

University-Wide Staff Awards

These awards are open to staff members across all divisions at Rice University.

Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service

• Purpose: Recognizes outstanding service and commitment to Rice’s mission.
• Eligibility: Regular, benefits-eligible staff embodying Rice’s values.
• Nomination: Submitted via memo outlining nominee's contributions.
• Selection: Reviewed by an award selection committee.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary award and crystal award, presented at a university event.
• Publicity: Communicated through HR and university announcements.
• Contact: Dr. Tina Jackson (tj32@rice.edu).

Y. Ping Sun Award for Outstanding Community Engagement

• Purpose: Recognizes Rice community members who have made a meaningful impact through community engagement.
• Eligibility: Open to members of the Rice community.
• Nomination: Details not specified.
• Selection: Details not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Announced at university events and through official communications.

Board of Trustees Staff Recognition Award

• Purpose: Honors staff members for outstanding performance and contributions.
• Eligibility: Staff members who have made significant contributions to Rice.
• Nomination: Nominated by senior leadership.
• Selection: Reviewed and selected by the Board of Trustees.
• Frequency: Quarterly.
• Recognition: Recognition at the Rice Board of Trustees meeting.
• Publicity: Announced through university communications.
• Contact: Human Resources (employeerelations@rice.edu).

Rice Staff Excellence Award presented by Staff Council

• Purpose: Recognizes full-time staff members who exemplify outstanding contributions to Rice University.
• Eligibility: Full-time, non-temporary staff with at least three years of service.
• Nomination: Any Rice community member can submit a nomination.
• Selection: A selection panel reviews nominations using a scoring rubric.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Each recipient receives a $1,000 award and is honored at a university event.
• Publicity: Announced through campus news and celebrated at an official event.
• Website: Staff Council Awards
• Contact: Staff Council (staffcouncil@rice.edu).

Division-Specific Staff Awards

These awards are open to staff members within a specific division at Rice University.

Dean of Undergraduates Staff Recognition Award

• Purpose: Recognizes outstanding service and contributions to the Division of Undergraduates.
• Eligibility: Regular, benefits-eligible staff in the division.
• Nomination: Division nominations solicited annually.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Commemorative award presented at a division event.
• Publicity: Announced within the division.
• Contact: Dean of Undergraduates Office.

Dean of Undergraduates Rising Star Award

• Purpose: Recognizes staff members who have created or utilized an opportunity to grow and develop in their role, and as a result, have made significant contributions to their unit, the Division of the Dean of Undergraduates, or Rice as a whole. Preference will be given to candidates who establish collaborative relationships
• Eligibility: Regular, benefits-eligible staff in the division who have worked within the division for at least 6 consecutive months, but no more than three years from the date of the nomination.
• Nomination: Division nominations solicited annually.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Commemorative award presented at a division event.
• Publicity: Announced within the division.
• Contact: Dean of Undergraduates Office.

Dean of Undergraduates Linda Cooper Staff Award

• Purpose: Recognizes exceptional staff contributions.
• Eligibility: Regular, benefits-eligible staff in the division.
• Nomination: Division nominations solicited annually.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Commemorative award presented at a division event.
• Publicity: Announced within the division.
• Contact: Dean of Undergraduates Office.

Outstanding Dean of Undergraduates Partner Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a faculty or staff member from outside the division that has been an integral part of supporting the mission and purpose of the Division of the Dean of Undergraduates through support of a unit, office, event, or project within the division.
• Eligibility: Regular, benefits-eligible staff outside the division.
• Nomination: Nominations solicited annually.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Commemorative award presented at a division event.
• Publicity: Announced within the division.
• Contact: Dean of Undergraduates Office.

George R. Brown School of Engineering & Computing Hardy Bourland Award

• Purpose: Recognizes outstanding contributions from staff in the School of Engineering.
• Eligibility: School of Engineering staff.
• Nomination: Not specified.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Announced at NSCI/Engineering Ice Cream Social.
• Contact: Not specified.

George R. Brown School of Engineering & Computing Outstanding Staff Service Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional service.
• Eligibility: Full-time staff within the School of Engineering.
• Nomination: Faculty, staff, or student nominations.
• Selection: Committee review based on significance and breadth of contributions.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary award and recognition at the annual Engineering awards event.
• Publicity: Announced through newsletters, official websites, and events.
• Contact: Aurora Zarate (aurora@rice.edu).

George R. Brown School of Engineering & Computing Rising Star Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a staff member in the early stages of their career who has demonstrated exceptional promise and contributions to the School of Engineering.
• Eligibility: Staff members within the School of Engineering who have been employed for five years or less.
• Nomination: Faculty, staff, or student nominations.
• Selection: Committee review based on the nominee’s impact and contributions.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary award and recognition at the annual Engineering awards event.
• Publicity: Announced through newsletters, official websites, and events.
• Contact: Aurora Zarate (aurora@rice.edu). ​

Glasscock School of Continuing Studies Mary McIntire Staff Excellence Award

• Purpose: Recognizes an outstanding benefits-eligible staff member in the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies (GSCS) who has made a significant contribution to the School, a department, or in the service of students.
• Eligibility: Full-time, benefits-eligible GSCS staff members with at least two years of service. Previous recipients are ineligible for five years. Previous non-winning nominees may be re-nominated.
• Nomination: Any GSCS employee may nominate a peer, direct report, or supervisor by completing an electronic nomination form with specific examples of excellence.
• Selection: A selection committee of 5–7 members, including the most recent award winner, at least three full-time GSCS staff, and a committee chair appointed by the Dean, reviews nominations and submits recommendations to the Dean for final selection. Committee members cannot nominate or be nominated while serving.
• Frequency: Annually, with the recipient announced at the GSCS staff appreciation event in late April or early May.
• Recognition: $1,500 monetary award (subject to taxes), framed certificate, name added to a plaque in the Anderson-Clarke Center, and recognition at the GSCS staff appreciation event.
• Publicity: Announced at the GSCS staff appreciation event, featured in the Rice Commencement program (online or print), and promoted on GSCS social media channels.
• Website: No public website available.
• Contact: Glasscock School Dean’s Office / Award Chair.

Office of Operations, Finance, & Support Excellence in Customer Service Award

• Purpose: Acknowledges exceptional dedication and outstanding service, highlighting the recipient’s role in fostering positive relationships within the Operations, Finance & Support (OF&S) division.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals or teams within OF&S.
• Nomination: Managers in the OF&S division submit nominations.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Each semester.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: OF&S Awards
• Contact: Not specified.

Office of Operations, Finance, & Support Operational Excellence Award

• Purpose: Recognizes individuals or teams who demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness in their daily work, contributing to operational excellence in OF&S.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals or teams within OF&S.
• Nomination: OF&S Leadership Team submits nominations.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: OF&S Awards
• Contact: Not specified.

Office of Operations, Finance, & Support Student/Faculty Hero Award

• Purpose: Celebrates OF&S hourly employees who directly interact with Rice students and faculty members, reliably delivering outstanding service and support.
• Eligibility: Open to OF&S hourly employees.
• Nomination: All Rice community members can submit nominations.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: OF&S Awards
• Contact: Not specified.

Office of Operations, Finance, & Support Above and Beyond Award

• Purpose: Recognizes OF&S employees who exceed expectations by willingly taking on extra responsibilities to benefit the broader campus community.
• Eligibility: Open to all OF&S employees.
• Nomination: All Rice community members can submit nominations.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: As appropriate.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: OF&S Awards Contact: Not specified.

School of Humanities Humanities Shining Star Award

• Purpose: Recognizes outstanding contributions by staff within the School of Humanities.
• Eligibility: Humanities staff employed at Rice for at least two years.
• Nomination: Submission of a one-page signed letter.
• Selection: A committee consisting of the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Dean, and the previous recipient reviews nominations.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary prize, plaque, traveling trophy, and certificate.
• Publicity: Featured in faculty and staff communications.
• Website: Shining Star Award
• Contact: Anita Norwig.

School of Social Sciences Rice Mile Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a staff member in the School of Social Sciences who exemplifies Rice’s values.
• Eligibility: All Social Sciences staff.
• Nomination: Submitted via email.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary award.
• Publicity: Presented at the Faculty and Staff Award Ceremony.
• Website: Not specified.
• Contact: Abbey Godley.

Weiss School of Natural Sciences Ruth Parks Award for Distinguished Service

• Purpose: Recognizes a staff member with more than five years of distinguished service to the department, school, or university.
• Eligibility: NSCI staff members with at least five years of service.
• Nomination: Nominations are solicited within the school.
• Selection: A selection committee reviews nominations.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Recognition within the school.
• Publicity: Announced within the school.
• Website: Faculty and Staff Awards History
• Contact: Wiess School of Natural Sciences Dean's Office.

Weiss School of Natural Sciences Outstanding Staff Service Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a staff member in their first seven years at Rice for exemplary service to the department, school, or university.
• Eligibility: NSCI staff members with up to seven years of service.
• Nomination: Nominations are solicited within the school.
• Selection: A selection committee reviews nominations.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Recognition within the school.
• Publicity: Announced within the school.
• Website: Faculty and Staff Awards History
• Contact: Wiess School of Natural Sciences Dean's Office.

Jones Graduate School of Business Tina Smith Award

Purpose: Honors a former Rice Business colleague’s legacy of service, selflessness, and dedication.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Reviewed by a committee including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Student Impact Award

Purpose: Recognizes a staff member who has significantly enhanced the student experience beyond their regular job duties.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Selected by a student committee.
Selection: Reviewed by a committee including students, executive-level staff, deans, and faculty (optional).
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via student announcements and staff communications.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Rising Star Award

Purpose: Celebrates new employees who demonstrate high potential and have made a positive impact within their first two years.
Eligibility: Employees must have been at Rice Business for less than two years.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Above and Beyond Award (Service Excellence)

Purpose: Recognizes staff who provide exemplary customer service, problem-solving, and support beyond their normal responsibilities.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Helping Hand Award (Collaboration)

Purpose: Recognizes staff who actively collaborate across teams, provide support to colleagues, and contribute to process improvements.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Leading From Behind Award

Purpose: Honors a staff member who provides meaningful contributions behind the scenes, demonstrating quiet yet impactful leadership.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Mountain Mover Award (Innovation)

Purpose: Recognizes staff who develop creative solutions, implement new ideas, and overcome major challenges.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business You Belong Here Award (Positive Mindset)

Purpose: Celebrates staff members who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, positively influencing workplace morale.
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Jones Graduate School of Business Dean’s Award

Purpose: Recognizes a staff member who embodies ARK values (Attentive, Responsive, Kind) and RICE values (Responsibility, Integrity, Community, Excellence).
Eligibility: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period and been with Rice Business for at least one full year.
Nomination: Community, peer, and supervisor nominations (self-nominations not permitted).
Selection: Committee review including executive-level staff, deans, faculty (optional), staff members, and current students.
Frequency: Annually (Spring semester, ceremony traditionally held in May).
Recognition: Recipient receives a physical award, a certificate, and may select a gift from an approved list.
Publicity: Communicated via email announcements, bi-annual town halls, and department updates.
Contact: Jess Krom, Senior Director of Staff Administration (jess.krom@rice.edu).

Department-Specific Staff Awards

These awards are open to staff members within a specific department at Rice University.

Dr. Alemka Kisic Distinguished Staff Service Award in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

• Purpose: Recognizes exceptional leadership and dedicated service in the department.
• Eligibility: Department members.
• Nomination: Not specified.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Contact: Not specified.

Shapiro Library Staff Innovation Award

• Purpose: Recognizes an innovative program or exemplary service in library operations.
• Eligibility: All Fondren Library staff (except those on the selection committee).
• Nomination: Peer nomination.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Monetary reward, plaque, and public recognition.
• Publicity: Email announcements, library website, social media.
• Website: Nomination Form
• Contact: ask@rice.libanswers.com.

Rice Management Company “Owl”Standing Award

• Purpose: Recognition of above and beyond contributions.
• Eligibility: Open to RMC team members.
• Nomination: Employees nominated within the RMC team.
• Selection: Committee review.
• Frequency: Quarterly.
• Recognition: A reserved parking spot.
• Publicity: Team meetings.
• Website: Not specified.
• Contact: Sarah Toups

Other

Friends of Rice Graduate Students Award

• Purpose: Recognizes individuals who have significantly enhanced the lives of graduate students at Rice University.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals within and beyond the Rice community.
• Nomination: Not specified.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Not specified.
• Recognition: Plaque.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: GSA Awards and Recognition
• Contact: Not specified.

GSA Faculty/Staff Service Award

• Purpose: Recognizes faculty and staff who have gone beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life for graduate students at Rice.
• Eligibility: Open to Rice faculty and staff.
• Nomination: Not specified.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Plaque.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: GSA Awards and Recognition
• Contact: Not specified.

Rice Black Student Association Staff Award

• Purpose: Recognizes a professional staff member whose presence on campus makes a significant contribution as they serve as a resource, friend, and ally to students.
• Eligibility: Open to Rice staff.
• Nomination: Student nominations solicited within Rice BSA.
• Selection: Voted on through form by Rice BSA listserv.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Recognition: Commemorative and presented at Rice Black Excellence Gala.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: GSA Awards and Recognition
• Contact: Rice Black Student Association

Women’s Resource Center Impact Award

• Purpose: Given to a member of the Rice community who has exhibited outstanding service in support of women’s rights and/or gender equality.
• Eligibility: Open to all Rice community members.
• Nomination: Not specified.
• Selection: Not specified.
• Frequency: Not specified.
• Recognition: Not specified.
• Publicity: Not specified.
• Website: Engagement and Recognition
• Contact: Not specified.

If your division or department has a staff award that is not highlighted here, please email staffcouncil@rice.edu with the information to highlight on this website. Thank you in advance!