Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award, first given in 1980, recognizes exceptional service in one or more of the following categories:
- Service through innovative and effective programs which are academic, or related to another facet of University life, such as programs that serve students, faculty or staff in an important and unique way.
- Service in areas and organizations that contribute to the growth and stature of the University.
- Service that extends the impact and presence of the University into larger communities.
The service must affect a significant segment of the University community. The awards is usually given for a body of service, rather than a single activity or achievement. Recipients receive a plaque and a $2,000 honorarium.
Eligibility for the Award
All current, continuing full-time faculty and administrative staff who have at least five years of service at the University are eligible. An individual can only receive the award once.
Contact Tonya Dean or email: faculty-development@wmich.edu with questions, comments, or concerns regarding the Distinguished Service Award.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations may be made by all current, continuing full-time faculty and administrative staff.
Nominations are due Wednesday, April 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 Distinguished Service Award. Nominations must be submitted electronically through the webform (right).
Nomination materials
The nominator should:
- Ensure the nominee's eligibility
- Complete the nomination webform
- Upload the following to the nomination form:
- the nominator's letter of support
- the nominee's CV or resume emphasizing the nominee's service
- other letters of support (both inside and outside the University) that emphasize the nature and scope of the nominee's service, making sure that these letters represent diverse viewpoints rather than simply collecting many letters that are similar.
The committee's decision on award recipients will be made on the basis of the above materials only.