Employee Awards
The Division of Administration (DofA) exists to provide the support that makes Vanderbilt’s goals and mission possible. Our efforts are only possible through the dedicated and exceptional service of our divisional staff. Appreciation is an essential part of how we create community, and we would like to take every opportunity to highlight those staff that make our division's success, and the university's success, possible.
Divisional Service Champions
2017 Service Champions Highlights
2018 Service Champions Highlights
2019 Service Champions Highlights
2020 Service Champions Highlights
2022 Service Champions Highlights
University Staff Awards
Vanderbilt University recognizes staff’s outstanding work and contributions to the university and beyond through its staff awards program. These awards are designed to spotlight the talents, dedication and professionalism that staff bring to their work at the university, and to celebrate the rich diversity of contributions that are foundational to Vanderbilt’s excellence as a center for research and empowering education.
To read more about the university staff awards and view past winners, please visit the Employee Appreciation - Staff Awards page.
Commodore Award
The annual Commodore Award is Vanderbilt’s highest staff honor, recognizing staff members who have made significant contributions to the university’s pursuit of excellence in education, research and community service. Staff are recognized for:
- Overall performance and accomplishments that regularly and consistently far exceed performance expectations, reflecting a high level of service, dedication, conscientiousness, compassion and applied skill.
- Handling a high impact or critical situation which had important consequences for a department, Vanderbilt University or the community.
- Developing or improving processes that resulted in significant productivity and/or cost-savings improvements.
Take a look at Division of Administration staff who have received this prestigious award:
2014 Commodore Award - Clair Gant, Vanderbilt Child and Family Centers
2017 Commodore Award - Danny McKissack, Facilities
2018 Commodore Award - Antoinette Hicks, Dining
Vanderbilt University Distinguished Leadership Award
The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion launched a Vanderbilt University Distinguished Leadership Award to recognize staff leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion. This award is presented to a full-time regular staff member who has demonstrated exemplary contributions to Vanderbilt University’s mission, as well as exhibited outstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. This annual award recognizes significant achievements in developing a culturally diverse, compassionate university community reflective of inclusive excellence.
Take a look at Division of Administration staff who have received this prestigious award:
2017 Distinguished Leadership Award - Gloria Smith, Facilities
Former Awards: Heart and Soul Staff Awards
Former Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos created the Heart and Soul Staff Awards program to honor staff members for outstanding work. These awards were presented by the Chancellor during visits with staff in their workspaces, and recognized efforts that demonstrate the spirit and mission that distinguishes the Vanderbilt community.
Take a look at Division of Administration staff who have received this prestigious award:
Zeppos presents VUPS’ Marty Wright with inaugural Heart and Soul Staff Appreciation Award
Chancellor presents Facilities’ Knight and Bratton with Heart and Soul Staff Appreciation Awards
Campus Dining’s Ebanks recognized with Chancellor’s Heart and Soul Award
Chancellor presents Heart and Soul awards to Bates, Hill and Maruszewski