Staff Award Categories
UTSA's University Excellence Staff Awards honor outstanding university employees serving in roles as a director or below who model excellent work performance.
The awards recognize staff for dynamic contributions, teamwork, extraordinary initiative and overall excellence. These employees model the values of the university and have a strong dedication to our Roadrunner Community.
Collaboration Champion Award
Honors an individual staff member who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, partnership, and the ability to foster a collaborative spirit. This individual has gone above and beyond in bringing together a variety of groups, breaking down silos, and creating a culture of cooperation and shared success. Through their exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, the recipient of this award has significantly contributed to the advancement of collective goals and the overall well-being of the Roadrunner community.
This award will have two winners. Each winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Excellence in Customer Care Award
Honors a staff member who consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to providing outstanding customer service, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment through the establishment of positive relationships with all customers. They seek creative solutions, are an expert in resolving challenges and are noted for their high-quality communication. They are dedicated to continuous improvement efforts that enhance the overall customer experience and seek to exceed all expectations when it comes to customer care. This individual has made a significant positive impact on the university community, setting a high standard for service and support.
This award will have two winners. Each winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Innovation Trailblazer Award
Honors a staff member who exemplifies exceptional creativity, forward-thinking, and ingenuity. This individual has introduced innovative solutions, practices, or initiatives that have significantly enhanced the academic environment, student experience, or operational efficiency. Through their visionary approach and dedication, the recipient of this award has made a lasting impact on the institution and serves as an inspiration for peers and colleagues.
Winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Leadership Award
Honors a current supervisor at the director level or below who has significantly advanced the mission and goals of both their department and the university through outstanding job performance. This recipient has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by fostering a positive and motivating work environment, maintaining open communication within the department and across UTSA, and encouraging professional development. They exhibit fairness and consistency in resolving employee and work-related issues, while also being receptive to constructive feedback on their own performance.
Winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Order of the Roadrunner Award
The highest honor awarded to a staff member who has demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to the University. This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the institution, embodying the spirit, values, and mission of the Roadrunner community. The recipient is a role model of excellence, innovation, and integrity, consistently going above and beyond to inspire others, foster a positive campus environment, and advance the university’s goals. Their outstanding achievements reflect a commitment to the success and future of UTSA.
Winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Richard S. Howe Staff Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award
This award was established in 2002 through a gift to the university by Mrs. Walter W. McAllister Jr. and is named in honor of longtime engineering professor Richard S. Howe. It is presented to staff who have shown exemplary commitment towards UTSA undergraduates. The recipients of this award must have demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and/or service to undergraduate students, served as an advocate for undergraduate education and engaged in activities to promote student access and success.
Winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Rising Star Award
Honors the work of a new employee with less than (3) three years of continuous service with the University and who has made significant contributions throughout the year to their area, or to the university community. This individual has innovative ideas and has made significant contributions. They have a demonstrated record of improvement, have progressed through cooperation, initiative, and are self-starters with a take-charge attitude. This talented employee has volunteered to assist wherever needed.
Winner receives a $1,000 prize and an award statuette.
Team Spirit Award
Honors a group of staff members who exemplify the true spirit of the Roadrunner community by fostering a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support. The recipients embody the values and culture of the institution, consistently promoting cooperation, positivity, and strong relationships. Their collective efforts have enhanced the overall work environment truly making the university an innovative place to work, learn and discover.
Winners will share a $5,000 award to be distributed equally among all team members ($1,000 per employee maximum).
