Staff Awards

UNT staff members distinguish themselves through their work and the support they provide to help the university accomplish its mission -- to give students the best educational experience in Texas. These awards recognize outstanding staff members who go above and beyond in their duties to contribute to UNT’s quality and excellence, to provide excellent customer service, to support student success, and to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace and campus.

For an entire month, UNT celebrates Staff Appreciation to honor staff members’ dedication to being a support system for students, faculty and the entire campus community. The month-long celebration culminates with the university’s Service Awards Ceremony, where staff members are recognized among their peers for their service and commitment to the university.

Learn more about the nomination process.

Steve Miller Outstanding Employee Award

Named in memory of Steve Miller, former assistant vice president of Human Resources, this award recognizes staff members whose contributions have positively impacted their division or department and the university. This is the highest honor a UNT staff member can receive.

Administrative Professionals Award

Recognizes the administrative staff members who demonstrate hard work and commitment to ensure excellence in support of the University’s mission and success within their own respective programs.

Customer Service Award

Acknowledges staff members who go above and beyond to identify customers' needs and/or expectations and who establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with fellow staff, faculty, students and internal/external customers.

Creating UNiTy Award

Acknowledges the significant achievements of staff members who take positive steps to create a culture and climate of respect and inclusion, who value differences and find innovative ways to improve opportunities for the diverse communities we serve.

Digital Innovation Award

Acknowledges staff members who fuel innovation and digital transformation at UNT. The individual(s) who receive this award is/are known for being willing to seize strategic opportunities, work across the aisle, and galvanize teams of key stakeholders who collectively exceed expectations on the most innovative of initiatives.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Recognizes executive staff leaders who illustrate outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the University through their leadership and service.

Foundational Champion Award

This award acknowledges staff members who have consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment, and contributions to the University of North Texas community. This award aims to acknowledge those individuals who may not always receive the spotlight or recognition but play a crucial role in the success of the university.

Mentorship Award

Acknowledges staff members who have made a positive impact on their colleagues through effective mentorship, coaching or supervision.

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a staff member who, within the first two years of their staff position, has demonstrated a passion for his or her work, the institution and the UNT tradition. The recipient shows promise in his or her work field and is making a large impact on the UNT community.

Soaring Integrity Award

This award acknowledges staff members who work to “treat others the way they want to be treated” for the betterment of the UNT community. This employee models exceptional ethical behavior through thoughts, words, and deeds, they value honesty and transparency, express gratitude for others, respect differences, take responsibility for actions, and demonstrate trustworthiness. This award is earned by one who courageously leads by example regardless of if anyone sees it.

Staff Excellence in Research Award

Acknowledges staff members who have made exceptional contributions to the university research enterprise. These may include contributions in research support, research administration, or technical support.

Student Success Award

Recognizes a staff member who has gone above and beyond their normal job requirements to contribute to the success of a UNT student or group of students. 

Teamwork Award

This award recognizes cross-divisional staff work groups who collaborate outside their traditional reporting unit to meet institutional goals or needs.

UNT Spirit Award

Recognizes staff members who consistently demonstrate a sense of pride in being a part of the UNT community by supporting staff, faculty and students, and by always promoting the university in a positive light. 

Presidential Awards

In addition to these, UNT staff members are also eilgible for three UNT Presidential Awards: the UNT Community Award, the President's Special Recognition Award and the Bob Rogers Service and Community Engagement Award.