Board of Regents' Awards
The Board of Regents' Staff Awards represent the highest honor bestowed by the Board of Regents (BOR) for the achievements of exempt and non-exempt staff employees at System institutions. The awards are presented to employees who have demonstrated excellence in one of the five categories offered for Exempt or Non-Exempt Staff. Each awardee will receive a $2,000 stipend and a commemorative plaque.
If you encounter any issues with accessing the packet, please contact the University Senate Office at senate-admin@umd.edu
Eligibility
- Nominee must be a staff employee of the University System of Maryland community, including all staff employees in Regular and Contingent II status.
- Nominee must have been employed within the USM for at least five (5) consecutive years as of 10/14/2026, and currently classified consistent with the award category (exempt or non-exempt). Award recipients must remain employed in the USM at the time awards are announced (March 2027).
- Any USM employee or student may nominate an eligible staff employee with their knowledge and consent. Self-nominations are accepted.
Nomination Package Requirements
A nomination package must be generated by the nominator that includes the following documents, organized in the order listed below. The packet instructions and forms are available below.
- Nominators: The following materials must be submitted to your campus’ Board of Regents Staff Awards committee:
- Nomination letter (1000-word maximum): addressed to the Board of Regents; this must identify the specific award category and document the nominee’s exemplary performance in that area. Nominator email and phone number are required.
- Nominee’s Current Position Description Form (provided by HR)
- Two [non-exempt nominations] OR Three [exempt nominations] recommendation letters (500-word maximum each): addressed to the Board of Regents; each letter must identify the specific award category and document the nominee’s exemplary performance in relation to the award category. Recommender email and phone number are required.
Submission and Selection Processes
- Each USM institution sets deadlines for receipt of preliminary submissions (cover sheet, nomination letter, position description, and two (non-exempt categories) or three (exempt categories) reference letters). Refer to each institution’s shared governance body for non-bargaining staff employees for specific guidance, procedures, and deadline(s).
- Each USM institution selects no more than one nominee per category and requests a support letter from their campus president. Complete applications are due to the University Senate Office 5PM Friday, August 14, 2026.
- CUSS reviews all applications and submits final recommendations to the Board of Regents. Recipients will be announced on or around March 2027, with a formal presentation of awards by the Chancellor in the spring. Each awardee will receive a $2,000 stipend and plaque.
- Please email completed applications to: senate-admin@umd.edu
- Direct any questions to the University Senate Office at: senate-admin@umd.edu
Exempt Award Categories
- Exceptional Contribution to the University and/or Unit
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Effectiveness and Efficiency
- Extraordinary Public Service for the University or Greater Community
- Outstanding Service to Students
For exempt awards the nomination packet should focus on the impact the staff member has on their department, institution, and/or campus community and their extraordinary accomplishments within one of five categories:
Exceptional Contribution to the University and/or Unit:
➢ This award showcases staff who have demonstrated a track record of specific accomplishments over the course of their time working in the USM.
➢ Recipients of this award excel in multiple areas such as, but not limited to: implementing creative approaches to improving processes and/or contribute to the success of the home unit / institution; staff in non-supervisory roles who provide leadership, team building and/or mentoring; staff in supervisory roles who consistently grow their unit / institution by supporting, mentoring, and advocating on behalf of their direct reports.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:
➢ This award highlights a staff member who has put forth effort to cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their position, status, identities, or other personal attributes.
➢ Recipients of this award actively promote multicultural understanding, equitable practices, and a sense of belonging emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving common goals.
Effectiveness and Efficiency:
➢ This award recognizes exemplary staff with innovative ideas or approaches for leveraging existing resources that, when implemented, serve to further the Efficiency and Effectiveness (E&E) Initiative of the University System of Maryland. In 2015, USM launched E&E 2.0, which aims to enhance student success, continue innovation in teaching and learning, reengineer administrative processes, and reduce costs.
➢ Complete nomination packets in this category must include (somewhere in the application materials): a brief description of the innovation and its potential benefits and magnitude (single institution, multi-institution, system-wide). The recipient may be invited to address the Board of Regents.
Extraordinary Public Service for the University or Greater Community:
➢ This award celebrates a staff member with a passion for and dedication to a project and/or cause and specific accomplishments that leverage the outreach and community engagement priorities of the institution/system.
➢ Recipients of this award have, throughout their USM career, sustained a collaborative commitment to engaging with the greater community. The award recognizes contributions in and through their role in the USM rather than as a private citizen.
Outstanding Service to Students:
➢ This award recognizes a staff member who has consistently prioritized student success throughout their USM career and has a track record of making a difference and impact on students’ lives.
➢ Recipients of this award have consistently led or contributed to programs and initiatives that have positively impacted and/or transformed the student experience.
Non-Exempt Award Categories
- Making a Difference to the Campus
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Excellence in Performance
- Excellence as a Team Player
- Outstanding Role Model
For non-exempt awards the nomination packet should focus on the impact the staff member has on their department, institution, and/or campus community within one of five categories:
Making a Difference to the Campus:
➢ This award showcases staff who have impacted the broader campus community, reaching outside of their department.
➢ Impact could include contributions such as improving the campus environment, fostering cross sectional collaboration, enhancing campus life, or initiating successful projects that benefit the campus.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:
➢ This award highlights a staff member who has put forth effort to cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their position, status, identities, or other personal attributes.
➢ Recipients of this award actively promote multicultural understanding, equitable practices, and a sense of belonging emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving common goals.
Excellence in Performance:
➢ This award highlights exceptional work specific to their position or department, demonstrated by effectiveness in job performance, resulting in significant contributions to their department's goals.
➢ Recipients of this award consistently meet/exceed expectations, display a high level of professionalism, and set a benchmark for quality and excellence within their field.
Excellence as a Team Player:
➢ This award celebrates an individual who consistently demonstrates outstanding collaboration, communication, and support within a team.
➢ Recipients of this award go above and beyond to foster a positive work environment, contribute to collective goals, and uplift their peers. They strive in showcasing a commitment to the success of the entire team rather than just individual achievements.
Outstanding Role Model:
➢ This award recognizes individuals who not only embody admirable qualities and behaviors but also actively engage in formal or informal mentoring of others.
➢ Recipients of this award embody the values and standards of the organization, inspire colleagues through their actions and attitude, and positively influence the workplace culture.
UMD Board of Regents' Staff Award Winners
UMD Board of Regents' Staff Awards Nominees and Finalists
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- Clint Bucco | College of Journalism
- DOROTHEA O'TOOLE | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
- Jackie Dwyer-Xec | Department of Mathematics
- James Jenets | Academic Technology and Innovation
- John Paul Sawyer | Division of Research
- Lattisha Hall | Teaching and Learning
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- Fernando Ramirez | Department of Geographical Sciences
- Jennie Gouker | Department of Biology
- SISTER MAUREEN SCHRIMPE | Dining Services
- Pam Komarek | Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program
- Tetyana Bezbabna | College of Information Studies
- Tom Hurst | Department of Computer Science
Non-Exempt
- Shemba Payne | Dining Services
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- CLINT BUCCO | College of Journalism
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Academic or Administrative Transformation
Exempt
- MARLENE ORANTES | Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
Exempt
- KATHRYN ATCHISON | Department of Computer Science
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- Amy Beaven | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
- Alyson Valentine | College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Barbara South | College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Bill Aarhus | Office of Extended Studies
- Brian Trest | Facilities Management
- Chris Fukui | University Human Resources/Learning and Talent Development
- CLINT BUCCO | College of Journalism
- David Flumbaum | University Recreation & Wellness
- Joanne Leffson-Bryant | Department of Psychology
- Kim Colbert | University Human Resources
- Marty Ronning | Engineering Information Technology
- Pamela Lloyd | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Ramsey Jabaji | Office of Global Engineering Leadership
- Reka Montfort | University Senate
- Shannon Gundy | Enrollment Management
- Sharron McElroy | Department of Computer Science
- Vivre Bell | Department of Geographical Sciences
Non-Exempt
- William Griffin | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Doug Downing | Department of Biology
- Penelope Gomes | Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- DONNA HAMMER | Department of Physics
- Eric Johnson | Undergraduate Studies
- Jacqueline Lee | Undergraduate Studies
- Jennie Gouker | Department of Biology
- Jessica Roffe | Robert H. Smith School of Business
- Jody Heckman-Bose | Office of International Affairs
- Michael Glowacki | Department of Resident Life
- Nicole Hollywood | Department of Fire Protection Engineering
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- Heather Teitelbaum | University Health Center
- Jennifer Daszczyszak | The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
- MARLENE ORANTES | Department of Nutrition and Food Science
- Mary Warneka | Teaching and Learning Transformation Center
- Meg Smolinski | Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Academic or Administrative Transformation
Exempt
- MELEKTE TRUNEH | College of Information Studies
- Jeanette Snider | Robert H. Smith School of Business
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
Exempt
- AMANDA PREPERATO | UNIVERSITY RECREATION & WELLNESS
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- Adam Grant | Division of Research
- Amy Beaven | Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics
- Arlene Schenk | University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
- David Baugh | College of Information Studies
- Dolores Jackson | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Felicia Metz | UM Ventures
- Gaye Bugenhagen | Department of Sociology
- Jennifer Reynolds | Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
- Jody Williams | Joint Program in Survey Methodology (BSOS)
- Olivia Noble | Materials Sciences & Engineering
- Reka Montfort | University Senate
- WALLACE EDDY | Recreation & Wellness
Non-Exempt
- No Nomine
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- APITCHAYA PIMPAWATHIN |DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- Jane Hirshberg | Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
- KATHLEEN ANGELETTI | COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
- Larry Tumlin | Dining Services
- Teresa Moore | Department of Bioengineering
Non-Exempt
- No Nominee
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Academic or Administrative Transformation
Exempt
- OLIVIA NOBEL | MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING, FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING
Non-Exempt
- No nominee
Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
Exempt
- ANA PALLA-KANE | DIVISION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Non-Exempt
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- David Baugh | College of Information Studies
- Sherry Costello | University Human Resources
- Wallace Eddy | University Recreation & Wellness
- DOLORES JACKSON | CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY
- Julia John | Department of American Studies and U.S. Latina/o Studies Program
- Blesilda Lim | Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education
- Deborah Russell | Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
- Laura Tan | Resident Life
Non-Exempt
- MARGARET GIBBS | COUNSELING CENTER
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- Audran Downing | College of Arts & Humanities - Office of Student Affairs
- Nicole Hollywood | Fire Protection Engineering
- Tom Hurst | Department of Computer Science
- TERRY ISLAND | DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- Apitchaya Pimpawathin | Department of Computer Science
Non-Exempt
- VALENCIA TIRADO | DINING SERVICES
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- KATHLEEN ANGELETTI | COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
- Patricia Moore | University of Maryland Extension
Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
Exempt
- TIMEA WEBSTER | OFFICE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- Jolanta Alipio | Center for Scientific Computation & Mathematical Modeling
- Rebecca Copeland | Institute for Systems Research
- Lori DeBoy | School of Music
- Jeanne Fineran | Robert H. Smith School of Business
- Dolores Jackson | Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Bill Katsereles | Entomology
- Susan Miller | School of Theatre, Dance, & Performance Studies
- Deborah Russell | Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
- JV Sapinoso | Women's Studies
- Kimberly Schmidt | Psychology
- GARY SEIBEL | DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- Jeffrey Snider | Division of Research
- Melekte Truneh | Agriculture and Resource Economics
Non-Exempt
- CHERYL HILL | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
- Valencia Tirado | Dining Services
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- Tamara Hendershot | Atmospheric & Oceanic Science
- Nicole Hollywood | Fire Protection Engineering
- Pamela Komarek | Neuroscience & Cognitive Science
- Christopher Moore | Residential Facilities
- LAURA PLACE | UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
- Johnna Schmidt | Jiminez-Porter Writers' House
- Charles Wright | UMD Libraries
Non-Exempt
- SARA LOPEZ | DINING SERVICES
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- LUIS ALFONZO | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- Linda Lenoir | University Career Center
- Terry Zacker | Division of Student Affairs
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Administrative Transformation
- DANIEL WILSON | INSTITUTE FOR BIOSCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
Exempt
- Jerry Lewis | Academic Achievement Programs
- Stephanie Payne-Roberts | Stamp Student Union
- TIMEA WEBSTER | OFFICE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS, winners in bold
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- Rebecca Copeland | Institute for Systems Research
- Libby Dufour | Animal and Avian Sciences
- Stephen Eskin | Public Safety
- Kimberley Frye | Mechanical Engineering
- Nacie Grigsby | Family Science
- Kathleen Kilday | National Foreign Language Center
- Sharon McElroy | Computer Science
- Jennifer Reynolds | Animal & Avian Sciences
- DANIEL RAMIA | COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
- Kimberly Schmidt | Psychology
- Melekte Truneh | Agriculture and Resource Economics
Non-Exempt
- Margaret Gibbs | Counseling Center
- AUDREY STEWART | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- Valencia Tirado | Dining Services
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- JENNA BECKWITH | UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
- Tamara Hendershot | Atmospheric & Oceanic Science
- Ramsey Jabaji | International and Leadership Programs
- Penny Jacobs | University Health Center
- Pamela Komarek | Neuroscience & Cognitive Science
Non-Exempt
- Erica Black | Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute
- SARA LOPEZ | DINING SERVICES
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- Donna McMahon | Environmental Safety, Sustainability, & Risk
- Vanessa Nichols-Holmes | Animal & Avian Sciences
- TERRY ZACKER | DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Administrative Transformation
- CLINT BUCCO | PHILIP MERRILL COLLEGE OF JOURALISM
- DANIEL WILSON | INSTITUTE FOR BIOSCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
Finalists indicated in ALL CAPS
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution/Unit to Which the Person Belongs
Exempt
- DONNA HAMMER | DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt
- BRYAN QUINN | DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
Exempt
- GLORIA APARICIO BLACKWELL | DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Non-Exempt
- PAIGE MILLER | UMD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Administrative Transformation
- JUNE SHERER | DEPARTMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC & OCEANIC SCIENCE AND GEOLOGY