Award Descriptions and Procedures

CORNARO AWARD 

Established in 1978, the CORNARO AWARD is presented annually to recognize an outstanding Texas Woman’s University faculty member for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and achievement and in appreciation for service to Texas Woman’s University. The award is named in honor of Elena Lucrezia Cornaro de la Piscopia, the first woman to receive a doctoral degree (University of Padua, 1678). Requires 10 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

MARY MASON LYON AWARDS FOR DISTINGUISHED JUNIOR FACULTY 

Named for the founder of Mount Holyoke, the first (1837) women's college in the U.S., two MARY MASON LYON AWARDS are presented annually to recognize those individuals among the TWU junior faculty who are developing excellent records of teaching, research, and service and who evidence dedication to their careers and promise for success in the future. Requires at least 3 years but no more than 7 years of service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

FACULTY AWARD FOR DISTINCTION IN DISTANCE EDUCATION 

This award will be presented to one or more TWU faculty who have made distinguished contributions to distance education through program development, curriculum development, or teaching. Requires at least 2 semesters of service to TWU as of December 31, 2025. 

FACULTY AWARD FOR DISTINCTION IN SCHOLARSHIP 

This award will be presented to TWU faculty who have evidenced distinguished records of scholarship and dedication to improving knowledge and understanding in their discipline. Evidence of exemplary scholarship might include, but not be limited to, books, chapters in books and monographs, publications in professional journals, performances, exhibits, scholarly presentations, and workshops. Requires 3 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

FACULTY AWARD FOR DISTINCTION IN SERVICE 

This award will be presented to TWU faculty who are developing distinguished records of service to their component, the university, their professional field of study, and/or the community. Requires 3 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

FACULTY AWARD FOR DISTINCTION IN TEACHING 

This award will be presented to TWU faculty who have evidenced distinguished records of teaching and dedication to improving their teaching and the learning of their students. Requires 3 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

FACULTY AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN ACADEMIA 

This award will be presented to TWU faculty who influence the University, professional discipline, and/or larger community in a creative and positive manner resulting in new growth and progress in the Academy. Requires 3 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025. 

HUMPHRIES AWARD FOR DEDICATION TO TWU 

This award will be presented to TWU faculty who have through their loyalty and actions proved to be a model to all and a treasure to TWU. Requires 10 years or more service to TWU as of September 1, 2025.

To nominate a colleague, please complete the google form ensuring all files are accessible. 

1. Completed Call for Nomination Form (Please ensure the information above is filled out accurately.)
   
   
2. Letter of Nomination (Maximum 2 pages) 

• Cite specific examples of the nominee’s excellence in teaching, research, and/or service. 
• Describe the nominee’s impact on students and colleagues. 

3. Three Letters of Support 

• One letter from a current or former student. 
• One letter from a faculty colleague. 
• One letter from an administrator. 
• Note: Please do not submit additional letters.

4. Watermark-formatted Curriculum Vitae
   
   
5. (Optional) Personal Statement (Maximum 750 words) 

• Describe the nominee’s philosophy or approach to teaching, research, and/or service as relevant to the award. 

Submit all nomination materials by 4pm on Monday, February 16, 2026. Should you have any questions about submitting materials, please contact the Faculty Commons Office (x81-3232). 

Special Notes 

• Late and incomplete packets cannot be considered. 
• Past winners are ineligible to win the same award in a subsequent year. 
• The Faculty Awards Committee reserves the right not to make an award in any given year.                          
• The Faculty Awards Committee reserves the right to consider nominees for awards other than those for which the faculty member was nominated if they determine another award might be a more suitable fit.

Feyten-Wick Health & Wellbeing Endowed Champion Award

Established to honor and celebrate contributions that advance Texas Woman’s University’s commitment to holistic wellness, the Feyten-Wick Health & Wellbeing Endowed Champion Award recognizes staff employees who have made meaningful impacts in one or more areas of the TWU Health & Wellbeing Initiative:

• Eat Well
• Mind Well
• Move Well
• Spend Well
• Build Well

One non-exempt and one exempt staff member will be selected from the nomination pool to receive this distinction. Each recipient will be awarded $750 and a commemorative plaque in recognition of their dedication to fostering a culture of well-being at TWU.

Outstanding Achievement Award

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes staff employees whose professionalism, excellence, and dedication have made significant contributions to the ongoing success of Texas Woman’s University. Recipients of this award demonstrate high-quality service, go above and beyond expectations, and consistently embody TWU’s core values.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a full-time staff employee
• Must hold a position beneath the director level
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous service within their role
• Must be in good standing

Two staff employees will be selected for this award. Each recipient will receive a $250 monetary award and a plaque honoring their outstanding contributions.

TWU Award of Excellence

The TWU Award of Excellence recognizes a staff employee who personifies excellence across all aspects of their work. This award honors those who take pride in supporting others, exemplify TWU’s core values, and demonstrate quality, integrity, and dedication in advancing the mission and goals of the university.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a full-time staff employee
• Must hold a position beneath the director level
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of continuous service within their role
• Must be in good standing

One staff employee will be selected for this honor. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award and a plaque in recognition of their excellence and commitment to TWU.

How the TWU Employee Awards Process Works

1. Award Information Is Shared Campus-Wide
   The Planning Committee shares award details, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and the nomination form with the TWU community.
2. Employees Submit Nominations
   Anyone can nominate eligible staff colleagues by submitting written nominations through the online form before the stated deadline.
3. Eligibility Is Verified
   All nominees are reviewed to confirm they meet years-of-service requirements and are in good standing with the university.
4. Nominations Are Anonymized
   Nomination materials for each eligible nominee are compiled into a single packet with identifying information about nominated staff member removed to help reduce bias.
5. Committee Review and Scoring
   A staff council review committee evaluates nominees using a rubric aligned to award criteria.
• Committee members review only the award category they are assigned.
• Scores are based on the quality and alignment of the nomination, not the number of submissions or who submitted them.
6. Top Scoring Nominees Are Identified
• Some awards may have multiple winners. 
7. Final Approval
   Award recipients are submitted to the Chancellor’s Office for final approval.
8. Finalists Are Invited to the Ceremony
   Top finalists are invited to attend the ceremony. Award recipients are announced during the event, ensuring a meaningful and celebratory experience.

What to Know as a Nominator

• One strong, thoughtful nomination is just as impactful as multiple submissions.
• Awards are not popularity-based; they are evaluated using clear criteria and scoring rubrics.
• If someone won an award last year, they are ineligible to win again this year. Most staff awards prevent multiple repeat winners to ensure that many worthy employees can have their contributions acknowledged.