The President's Excellence Awards represent a meaningful and tangible way in which the University can acknowledge and reward employees for all of their hard work and dedication to the University and its mission. Please take this opportunity to tell us which of your colleagues deserves such notable recognition.

Who may be nominated for an award?

Employees eligible for awards include STAFF members from the UH Main Campus, UH Sugar Land, UH Katy and UH Systems.  All benefits-eligible, non-teaching staff employees with at least three (3) years of University service (who have not won a President's or McElhinney award previously) are eligible for these staff awards regardless of their job classification, title, or level within the organization.

Who can make nominations?

Any UH employee, faculty or staff, student or community member may nominate qualifying staff employees for consideration. 

What are the qualifications for President's Award consideration?

Each award recognizes meritorious service, dedication, and contribution to the University beyond the requirements and expectations of the job. Characteristics of an employee’s performance, which contribute to excellence, include:

• Superior job performance and a high degree of proficiency in their areas of responsibility;
• Outstanding personal traits such as dedication, loyalty, reliability, courtesy, honesty, and initiative;
• Continuous demonstration of service concepts necessary to support the department and the university;
• Initiative in making improvements to work methods, standards, or operations; or developing new programs, services, or cost savings that enhance or support the department of the university; and
• Works cooperatively as a productive member of the work team
• Takes an innovative approach to problem solving and develops creative strategies to address organizational challenges; and
• Builds and strengthens community by creating partnerships and an environment of collaboration, understanding and inclusiveness

Can Letters of Recommendation be sent as attachments?

No, recommendations must be submitted via the online Recommendation Form only. If you have already composed your recommendation in letter format, cut and paste it into the Recommendation Form and then submit it. Only recommendations submitted via the Recommendation Form will be accepted.

Is there a word limit on Form questions?

Yes, both the Nomination Forms and Recommendation Form stipulate the allowable word count for responses.

Can someone win more than one award?

One cannot win more than one award with monetary value during the same year.

Can someone win an award more than once?

The President's Excellence Award and the C.F. McElhinney Award for Distinguished Service can only be won once.

What is the deadline for submitting nominations?

The nomination period for the 2025 President’s Excellence Awards is Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 25, 2025. Human Resources must receive all required Nomination and Recommendation Forms no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025. In addition to the Nomination Form, a minimum of two (maximum of four) Recommendation Forms must be submitted to provide further information and qualify the nominee for consideration.

Who selects the winners?

The Award Selection Committee is comprised of individuals from each University division. They will evaluate all completed nomination materials submitted and select award winners from the categories indicated below.

• Office and Clerical – 3 awards
• Technical, Service, and Craft – 3 awards
• Administrative and Professional – 3 awards
• Effective Leader (Supervisors and/or Managers) – 3 awards
• F. McElhinney - 1 award

 What does an award winner receive?

In addition to their attendance and recognition at the President’s Awards Ceremony, winners of the President's Excellence Award will also receive a certificate and $1,000.

Who may be nominated for a C.F McElhinney Distinguished Service Award and what does the winner receive?

ALL previous President's Excellence Award recipients are eligible for nomination for the Charles F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given for exemplary staff contributions to the University. Click here for a list of past award winners. Note: President's Excellence Award winners from the past 3 award years are automatically nominated for the C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award.

The recipient of the C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award will be invited to attend the President's Awards reception, to be recognized, receive a plaque, and $3,000.