Faculty & Staff Presidential Achievement Awards
The Bowie State University Faculty and Staff Presidential Achievement Award Program recognizes Faculty and Staff for their excellence in four areas:
- Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
- Distinguished Achievement in Research and Grants
- Distinguished Achievement in Service
- Distinguished Achievement in Performance
Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence at the undergraduate or graduate level. This faculty member demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence and continues to elevate the standards of instruction to enrich University students. Individuals who receive this recognition incite intellectual curiosity within students and inspire their colleagues within and outside of his/her department.
Nominees for this award must have:
- Maintained a consistent record of outstanding teaching performance at the University
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to better reinforce student learning
- Interacted enthusiastically and effectively with students beyond the classroom (i.e. office hours, mentoring)
- Promoted a love of learning that contributes to the likelihood of student retention
Award
- $750 monetary award
- Certificate of Achievement
- Maximum recipients - 3
Distinguished Achievement in Research and Grants
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes faculty or staff for excellence in research and grants. The faculty or staff member is recognized for engaging and excelling in productive and meaningful research activities that contribute to knowledge in his or her field of study and/or expertise, or which could result in the development of future or useful educational/academic products. Staff members may also qualify for this award.
Nominees for this award must have provided a statement of research that includes:
- A discussion of intellectual merit or the clearly defined research area or problem
- The importance/potential impact of the research
- Innovation and originality of research
- Awards and/or grants received
- Publications which may have resulted from the research
- Partnerships involved in the research (year of publication)
Award
- $750 monetary award
- Certificate of Achievement
- Maximum recipients - 3
Distinguished Achievement in Service
Service to the University
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students. Their service contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the University and the campus community. Service can include participation with governance groups or committees to advance the mission of the University; or serving on a state, national, or international service committee.
Service to the Community
Service to the University - This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students. Their service contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the University and the campus community. Service can include participation with governance groups or committees to advance the mission of the University; or serving on a state, national, or international service committee.
Service to the Community - This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides extraordinary service to the community. Their contribution must be impactful and makes a significant difference. Consideration will be given to the community service contributions that reflects positively on Bowie State University and its students.
Nominees for this award must have:
- Maintained a "Meets Standards" for work performance
- A recommendation from their committee chair acknowledging their work/work ethic
- A letter from the head of the organization indicating the level of impact the provided service had on the organization. The letter must also indicate the duration of the service (e.g. when the service began and when it ended)
Award
- $750 monetary award
- Certificate of Achievement
- Maximum recipients - 3
Distinguished Achievement in Performance
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a staff member who excels in all aspects of their position, possesses excellent work ethic and have an extraordinary impact within the department as a role model - connecting with faculty, staff, and students. This individual not only exceeds performance expectations within the department, but also provides outstanding and ongoing excellence in services to faculty, staff, students, and/or other customers.
Nominees for this award must have consistently performed their work in an exceptional manner for a period of at least two years. Exceptional performance factors include:
- Surpassed the requirements of their job description
- Anticipated the needs of the supervisor and the customer
- Performed their job duties with excellence (e.g. willingly support faculty in the department; providing commitment and support to students)
- Followed up with customers with a positive attitude
- Striven to defuse problems with co-workers and others in their department
- Served as the subject matter expert on administrative matters in the office
- Be known for their competence in carrying out duties
Award
- $750 monetary award
- Certificate of Achievement
- Maximum recipients - 3
General Eligibility
The nominees*, including self-nominees, must:
- Be employed at the University for one year; and
- Must be in good standing with the university (e.g. performance must meet standards)
Please note that the Office of Human Resources will seek feedback from the Department head and Dean, as well as the Department Budget Head for the Distinguished Acheivement Awards in Teaching and Performance respectively prior to submitting nomination packets to the Awards Committee.
*Cabinet members are ineligible for the Presidential Achievement Award Program.Presidential Achievement Awards Guidelines Booklet (pdf)
Nomination Package
A complete nomination Package must be received by the established deadline for consideration. The package should not exceed a total of 10 pages and should not include documents that must be returned back to the nominee.
All nomination packages should include the following:
- Nomination Form (pdf)
- Biography, Resume, or Professional Vita must be submitted for all faculty and
- Position Description for faculty (if available) and staff (required) must be included – this document must provide details of the nominee’s daily responsibilities and must be signed by the supervisor
- Letters of Recommendation – Include two one-page (maximum) letters of recommendation that discuss what makes this individual exceptional in the category nominated
- Supporting Materials – Additional material may be included (e.g. various types of recognition, letters of commendation, awards, etc.).
Submission
If you are interested in applying for or nominating a colleague for an award, please complete and submit an application form to the following email: facultyandstaffawards@bowiestate.edu, by February 15, 2025. After submission, you can expect an automatic response within 24 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Mary Ogan x23455.
The President of the University or a designee shall approve Achievement Awards Committee members for each academic year. The selection of the committee members will be made by the governance groups for approval by the President.
Faculty
The composition of the faculty committee should include three faculty members identified by Faculty Senate; one student identified by the GSA President; and one student identified by the SGA President. The members shall decide within 30 days, the faculty members recommended to receive the Distinguished Awards for the designated areas. The President of the University makes the final decision.
Staff
The composition of the staff committee should include two staff members identified by the Staff Council; one AFSCME Bargaining Unit staff member identified by the AFSCME President; and one MCEA Bargaining Unit staff member identified by the MCEA President. The members shall decide within 30 days, the staff members recommended to receive the Distinguished Awards for the designated areas. The President of the University makes the final decision.
Joint Faculty and Staff
The Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards Committees shall form a Joint Committee when both faculty and staff are nominees for the same award (e.g. Service Award and Research Grants Award). The composition of the Joint Committee shall be the same as outlined in the above faculty and staff committees; however, the review process shall continue if the member(s) from the represented groups are not in attendance.
Achievement Committee Review Process
The Achievement Award committee review process is as follows:
- Screening of all nomination packages
- Committee will make a decision and provide a written recommendation of the successful candidate(s) to the President
Past Winners
Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence at the undergraduate or graduate level. This faculty member demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence and continues to elevate the standards of instruction to enrich university students.
- Anne Wiley, Associate Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
- Philip de Melo, Assistant Professor, Dept of Computer Science
- Deborah Bailey, Assistant Professor, Department of Business-Management/Marketing/Publication
Distinguished Achievement in Research & Grants
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes faculty and staff for excellence in research and grants including engaging in productive and meaningful research activities that contribute to knowledge in his or her field of study and/or expertise.
- Priscila Chaverri, Associate Professor Dept. of Natural Sciences
- Rand Obeidat, Assistant Professor Dept. of Accounting, Finance & Economics
- Anna Osano, Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
Distinguished Achievement in Service
Service to the University - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students that contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the university and the campus community.
Service to the Community - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides extraordinary service to the community that is impactful and makes a significant difference.
- Jabari Walker, Sustainability & Energy Coordinator, Office of Plant Administration
- Tyesha Burks, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
- Austin Mitchell, Program Admin Specialist, BSU Assessment
Distinguished Achievement in Performance
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a staff member who excels in all aspects of their position, possesses excellent work ethic and have an extraordinary impact within the department as a role model - connecting with faculty, staff, and students.
- Lori Buckley, CLINICAL PLACEMENT COORDINATOR, Dept. of Nursing
- Li-Lin Chiu, NURSE PRACTITIONER | BSU Wellness Center
- Jhovita Williams, Senior Grants and Contracts Manager, Sponsored Programs
Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence at the undergraduate or graduate level. This faculty member demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence and continues to elevate the standards of instruction to enrich university students.
- Dr. Tyesha Burke - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
- Dr. Andrew Mangle - Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Information Systems
- Dr. Rand Obiedt - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Accounting, Finance & Economics
Distinguished Achievement in Research & Grants
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes faculty and staff for excellence in research and grants including engaging in productive and meaningful research activities that contribute to knowledge in his or her field of study and/or expertise.
- Dr. Hoda El-Sayed - Professor, Dept. of Computer Science
- Dr. Erica Hernandez - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychology
- Dr. Konda Reddy Karnati - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Natural Science
Distinguished Achievement in Service
Service to the University - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students that contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the university and the campus community.
Service to the Community - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides extraordinary service to the community that is impactful and makes a significant difference.
- Dr. Masica Jordan Alston - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Counseling
- Ms. Joan Smallwood - Executive Administrative Assistant I, College of Education
- Prof. Elmer T. Yorkman - Professor, College of Business
Distinguished Achievement in Performance
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a staff member who excels in all aspects of their position, possesses excellent work ethic and have an extraordinary impact within the department as a role model - connecting with faculty, staff, and students.
- Donna Morgan - Program Management Specialist, Dept. of Nursing
Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence at the undergraduate or graduate level. This faculty member demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence and continues to elevate the standards of instruction to enrich university students.
- Dr. Januela Burt - Associate Professor, Dept. of Educational Leadership
- Dr. Monifa Love - Professor/Associate Dean, Dept. of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies
- Dr. Sumanth Reddy - Assistant Professor, Dept. of Natural Sciences
Distinguished Achievement in Research & Grants
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes faculty and staff for excellence in research and grants including engaging in productive and meaningful research activities that contribute to knowledge in his or her field of study and/or expertise.
- Dr. Birthale Archie - ASSISTANT Professor, Dept. of Nursing
- Dr. Azene Zenebe - Professor & Deptartment Chair, Dept. of Management Information Systems
- Dr. Sharad Sharma - Research and Grants Professor, Department of Computer Science
Distinguished Achievement in Performance
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a staff member who excels in all aspects of their position, possesses excellent work ethic and have an extraordinary impact within the department as a role model - connecting with faculty, staff, and students.
- Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai - Programs Manager, Title III Programs
- Ms. Gale Fink - Assistant VP, Office of Planning, Analysis & Accountability
- Ms. Lisa Nardi - Assistant Director, Scholars Studio, Office of TRIO /Student Support Services
Distinguished Achievement in Service
Service to the University - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students that contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the university and the campus community.
Service to the Community - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides extraordinary service to the community that is impactful and makes a significant difference.
- Dr. Becky Verzinski - Assistant VP for Assessment, Division of Academic Affairs & Provost
- Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai - Programs Manager, Title III Programs
- Dr. Jie Yan - Professor, Dept. of Computer Science
Distinguished Achievement in Performance
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a staff member who excels in all aspects of their position, possesses excellent work ethic and have an extraordinary impact within the department as a role model - connecting with faculty, staff, and students.
- Carmela Falcone - Functional App Support Manager, Division Of Information Technology
- Dellis M Murray - Senior Buyer, Office of Procurement
- Sonya Osei - Administrative Assistant I, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
Distinguished Achievement in Research & Grants
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes faculty and staff for excellence in research and grants including engaging in productive and meaningful research activities that contribute to knowledge in his or her field of study and/or expertise.
- Dr. Sean Coleman - Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership
- Dr. Matasha Harris - Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Human Services
- Dr. Jie Yan - Professor, Department of Computer Science
Distinguished Achievement in Service
Service to the University - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides exceptional and continuous service to faculty, staff, and students that contributes to the personal, professional, academic, or social development of the university and the campus community.
Service to the Community - recognizes a faculty and/or staff member who provides extraordinary service to the community that is impactful and makes a significant difference.
- Dr. Jacqueline Smith - Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Sciences
- Dr. Julius Davis - Associate Professor, Department of Teaching, Learning & Professional Development
- Betty Carrico - Program Administrative Specialist, Department of Mathematics
Distinguished Achievement in Teaching
This category of distinguished achievement recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence at the undergraduate or graduate level. This faculty member demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence and continues to elevate the standards of instruction to enrich university students.
- Dr. Euwanna Heard - Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing
- Dr. Shakil Rabbi - Assistant Professor, Department of Language, Literature, & Cultural Studies
- Dr. Kari Debbink - Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Sciences