Chancellor's Award for Staff

The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence is the highest award the University of Pittsburgh grants to full-time and part-time, classified and union-eligible staff members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the University or their community.

The University is fortunate to have staff members who demonstrate continuous, meritorious performance. However, there are those whose performance consistently exceeds the standards and expectations set for their position or within the community. The University wishes to recognize those individuals for their exceptional performance and contributions to the University or their community.

Nominations for 2023-2024 are now closed. Thanks to all who submitted your nominees for consideration.

The 2023-2024 Chancellor's Staff Awards were recently presented by Chancellor Gabel. Meet our recipients here.

Nomination & Eligibility Guidelines

The Chancellor’s Award recognizes the diversity of all ranks of staff members who represent a cross-section of campus organizations and the regional campuses. Nominations are evaluated to identify nominees who have made a significant contribution in one or more of the following areas:

  • Student Impact Award: a staff member whose efforts have helped our students succeed and grow as individuals, contributed to the quality of life for our students, demonstrated consistently excellent customer service, and promoted and supported a culture of diversity and respect on our campuses.
  • Research Support Award: a staff member who has worked to advance the University’s research efforts.
  • Innovation in Advancing Administrative and Operational Efficiency Award: a staff member who has made exceptional contributions toward effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace, including implementing innovative approaches to improving productivity or developing cost-saving plans.
  • University Engagement Award: a staff member who extends their commitment to the University through exemplary participation in volunteer activities within the University, through service on committees, working on special projects or volunteering to assist with events or programs (e.g., Commencement and/or Convocation) that are outside of the scope of their normal job duties.
  • Community Engagement Award: a staff member who has dedicated themself to making their community a better place to live and to improving the quality of life for others.
  • Outstanding Career Achievement Award: a staff member with more than 20 years of unparalleled service to the University who, throughout their career, has made exceptional contributions to the success of their department and the University, who has earned the respect of their peers, and whose efforts have defined what it means to be part of the Pitt community.
  • Exceptional Early Career Achievement Award: a staff member in the earliest stages (three to five years) of their professional career who is not in a management position and, within that short period of time, has exceeded the expectations of their position, taken on numerous assignments and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the University.
  • Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award: a staff member who has contributed to the University’s diversity initiatives and worked to create a culture of inclusion in their department, business unit or school and the University.
  • Excellent Mentor Award: a staff member who serves as a role model and mentor to their staff colleagues, helping them to develop and improve their skills, acclimate to new positions or learn new processes so that they can achieve success in their own careers at Pitt.

Recipients of the Chancellor’s Award will be announced in the University Times, receive a $2,500 prize and be recognized at a special reception. As a more permanent tribute, their names will be added to a plaque displayed in the William Pitt Union that is inscribed with the names of all recipients of the Chancellor’s Award.