The Presidential Leadership Award is bestowed upon a University staff employee, selected by the President, who exemplifies exceptional leadership, service excellence, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As WNMU’s highest recognition for leadership and service excellence among staff employees, this award honors individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the University, colleagues, students, and community.
Recipients of this award inspire others through their actions, foster positive change, and consistently demonstrate the values that define the WNMU experience. Through their commitment to serving others and advancing the mission of the University, they embody the spirit of “Mustangs Serving Mustangs” and help create a culture where individuals and the institution can thrive.
Award Overview
Recipient Recognition
- One-time cash award of $2,500*
- Recognition during the Welcome Back Convocation
- Recognition during Spring Commencement activities
*Applicable taxes and withholdings will apply.
Eligibility
Eligible Nominees:
- Full-time and part-time staff employees in regular benefits-eligible positions.
- Employees with a minimum of three (3) years of service at WNMU.
- Employees must be actively employed at the time the award is presented
Ineligible Employees:
- University President
- Divisional Vice Presidents
- Athletic Director
- Faculty Employees
- Student Employees
Criteria
The Presidential Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service have made a meaningful and lasting impact on WNMU. Nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to service excellence while exemplifying the values, behaviors, and leadership qualities that contribute to a culture of “Mustangs Serving Mustangs.”
The following criteria represent the key areas considered during the nomination and selection process.
- Staff member is an excellent role model and promotes a work environment that is respectful, collegial, and supportive for themselves and those around them.
- Staff member positively influences the work environment, fosters cooperation, achieves goals, and overcomes obstacles, while carrying out employment responsibilities modeling Service Excellence principles.
- Staff member promotes an ethical work environment and ensures organizational compliance to the best of their ability.
- Staff member represents Western New Mexico University externally through community engagement, service, external organizational leadership, or other outreach; creates a better understanding of the university to those who are not necessarily a part of our immediate university “community.”
- Staff member demonstrates a commitment to supporting the University’s mission, vision, and core values, service to students, colleagues and the community.
- Staff member continually develops partnerships both internally and externally, beyond ambassadorship programs that engage students, faculty, and staff members.
- Staff members are a positive advocate for the university showing the true spirit of the WNMU culture.
- Staff member consistently puts the needs of others before themselves by giving their time, talents, and resources to support the growth and development of the WNMU community.
- Staff member communicates and contributes efficiently and openly with other members of the team while keeping the team on track to meet deadlines.
- Staff member brings their own experience, ambitions, and specialist skills to their work in a collaborative manner, while offering support and keeping an open mind.
- Staff member should be organized and able to use critical thinking skills within the department or partnerships across divisions that face challenges or issues to achieve a shared goal.
- The individual’s overall performance has increased the productivity or efficiency of a division, department, or team by exceeding expectations and by performing at the highest levels of quality.
- The individuals have developed new and/or improved processes resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost savings.
- The individual has the ability to adapt to change in policy and procedures of the workplace with a positive attitude.
- Staff member focuses on inspiring and motivating colleagues to achieve their full potential, both individually and collectively, to reach a shared vision or goal.
- Staff member inspires their colleagues through their vision, charisma, and ability to communicate effectively. They also challenge and empower their colleagues to think creatively, take risks, and develop their skills and abilities.
- Staff member encourages a sense of ownership and commitment among their colleagues, and they work to create a positive organizational culture that fosters innovation and growth.
- Overall, transformational leadership is a people-centered approach to leadership that aims to transform individuals and the University to achieve greater success and impact.
Selection Process
Following the nomination period, eligible nominees are invited to submit supporting materials for consideration. Nomination portfolios are evaluated by a review committee, which forwards its recommendations for consideration. Final selection of the Presidential Leadership Award recipient is made by the President in consultation with Cabinet. The award recipient is announced during the January Welcome Back Convocation.
Program Guide
For complete program information, including award criteria, eligibility requirements, nomination guidelines, and the selection process, please review the Program Guide.
Self-Nominations
Self-nominations are welcome. Individuals interested in self-nominating should carefully review the Program Guide prior to submission to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and understand the nomination and portfolio expectations associated with the award.
Nomination Forms
OPTION 1: Click on Online Nomination Form to complete in its entirety and submit your nomination online.
OPTION 2: Click on Downloadable Nomination Form to download a fillable form to your device, which will give you the ability to make edits. Complete all sections and when finished, email the completed form to awards@wnmu.edu for processing. All forms must be typed and legible and in digital format.
If you have any issues, please email us at this same address.