Staff members to be recognized for meritorious service

The Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council developed the program to recognize university staff members for outstanding and meritorious performance, according to Trish Hughes, chair of the advisory council's Employee Relations Committee.

The awards -- consisting of a plaque and $1,000 -- will be made in six categories and will be presented by President Donald Zacharias in conjunction with the Service Award Program in April.

Categories include non-faculty executive, administrative, and managerial; other professional (service/support); clerical and secretarial; technical/paraprofessional; skilled crafts; and service/maintenance.

The council's Employee Relations Committee will establish a Staff Awards Committee to select the awardees.

Nomination forms will be sent by campus mail to all faculty and staff members Jan. 3 and should be returned to the Staff Awards Selection Committee, Post Office Box 5214, by Jan. 18. Nominees must have been continuously employed at Mississippi State, half-time or greater, for at least three years. Letters of support will be solicited at a later date.

Nominee's performance of assigned tasks must merit recognition, inspire other employees, exhibit outstanding service or loyalty to the university and the accomplishment of its mission, or demonstrate courage or heroism in the workplace.

Selected awardees will remain anonymous until the presentation ceremony, but nominees will be notified. Supporting documentation for awardees will be placed in their personnel files.

Nominations may be made by any staff member, faculty member, or student.