All-College Awards
Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by a review committee. The awards recognize faculty and staff members who exhibit exemplary performance, along with outstanding graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, Friends of the College, and individuals who embody the Spirit of CHHS.
Teaching, Advising, and Student Awards
Teaching Excellence Award
Description
The Teaching Excellence Award is the College of Health and Human Sciences’ highest recognition for teaching excellence. This award honors a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching and a significant impact on student learning, engagement, and success. Recipients exemplify a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based instruction, foster meaningful learning experiences, and serve as leaders in advancing teaching excellence within their academic unit, CHHS, and/or the University.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Excellence in Teaching. Demonstrated use of evidence-based instructional approaches and mentoring, innovative technology, and/or high-impact learning practices that strengthen student engagement and achievement.
- Promoting Academic and Student Success. A commitment to teaching practices that expand access, foster respect, and support the learning and success of all students.
- Leadership in Teaching. Evidence of leadership and positive impact on colleagues and the broader teaching community within their academic unit, CHHS, and/or the University.
- Commitment to Professional Growth. Engages in ongoing professional development and continuous learning to strengthen teaching effectiveness and deepen understanding of student learning and academic success.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold the rank of Associate Professor, Senior Instructor, or higher.
- Hold any faculty appointment of 50% or greater.
- Have completed at least five years of service in CHHS.
- Be engaged in undergraduate, graduate, and/or off-campus teaching.
- Demonstrate a sustained record of significant teaching effectiveness and support for students’ academic success.
Note: Faculty undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award (formerly the Outstanding Teacher Award)are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Early Career Teaching Excellence Award
Description
The Early Career Teaching Excellence Award recognizes an early-career faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and promise in teaching within the College of Health and Human Sciences. This award honors faculty who create meaningful learning experiences, foster student success, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching. Recipients exemplify excellence in instruction through innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching practices that have a positive impact on student learning and engagement.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Excellence in Teaching. Demonstrated use of evidence-based instructional approaches, innovative technology, and/or high-impact learning practices that enhance student learning.
- Promoting Student Success. Use of teaching practices that expand access, foster respect, and support student achievement.
- Recognition of Effectiveness. Positive peer and student feedback regarding teaching effectiveness (may include summaries of teaching evaluations, peer observations, or recognition through other teaching awards).
- Commitment to Professional Growth. Engages in professional development and continuous learning to strengthen teaching effectiveness and deepen understanding of student learning and academic success.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold the rank of Assistant Professor or Instructor.
- Hold any faculty appointment of 50% or greater.
- Have completed at least one year of service in CHHS.
- Be engaged in undergraduate, graduate, and/or off-campus teaching.
Note: Faculty undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Early Career Teaching Excellence Award (formerly the Tenure-Track Faculty Teacher Excellence Award and Early Career Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award) are not eligible to receive the award again.
- Individuals may receive this award only once.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards.
Undergraduate Academic Advising Excellence Award
Description
The Undergraduate Advising Excellence Award recognizes professional academic advisors who demonstrate excellence in advising and mentoring undergraduate students. The award honors individuals who make significant contributions to academic and student success by supporting students’ academic, professional, and personal development while fostering a sense of belonging within the undergraduate community.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Promoting Academic and Student Success. Demonstrates excellence in advising practices that support undergraduate student access, success, and engagement. Provides evidence of a meaningful and lasting impact on students’ academic achievement, personal growth, career readiness, and overall success.
- Collaboration and Advocacy. Collaborates effectively with faculty, staff, and campus partners to advocate for students and connect them with resources that support their academic success, well-being, and sense of belonging.
- Leadership in Advising. Contributes to the enhancement of advising services and promotes the visibility and value of high-quality undergraduate advising within CHHS and/or the University.
- Commitment to Professional Growth. Engages in ongoing professional development and continuous learning to strengthen advising expertise and deepen understanding of undergraduate student needs.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold an administrative professional staff appointment in CHHS as an academic advisor.
- Hold an appointment of 50% or greater.
- Be actively engaged in undergraduate academic advising at the time of nomination.
- Have three or more years of service in CHHS.
Note: Academic Advisors undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Undergraduate Academic Advising Excellence Award (formerly the Outstanding Advisor Award – Undergraduate Studies) are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards.
Outstanding Senior Award
Description
The Outstanding Senior Award is the College of Health and Human Sciences’ highest recognition for graduating undergraduate students. This award honors a graduating senior who has distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, engagement, research, service, creative accomplishments, and contributions to the CHHS community. Recipients exemplify the values of the College and have made a meaningful and lasting impact during their time at Colorado State University.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Academic Achievement. Demonstrates a strong record of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. Nominees must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Leadership and Engagement. Demonstrates significant involvement and leadership in student organizations, campus initiatives, professional activities, community engagement, and/or service efforts.
- Impact and Contribution. Has made meaningful contributions to their academic program, CHHS, CSU, and/or the broader community through research, service, creative activities, advocacy, or other initiatives that positively influence others.
- Commitment to CHHS. Demonstrates sustained engagement with the College through participation in academic, professional, co-curricular, research, outreach, or service activities and has completed at least four semesters in CHHS.
- Character and Role Modeling. Exhibits integrity, professionalism, respect, and a commitment to supporting others. Serves as a positive role model for fellow students and contributes to a welcoming and supportive community.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be an undergraduate student in CHHS.
- Be graduating during the academic year in which the award is presented (Fall, Spring, or Summer).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Have completed at least four semesters in CHHS at Colorado State University.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Outstanding Senior Award are not eligible to receive the award again.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS All-College awards.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Description
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award is the College of Health and Human Sciences’ highest recognition for a graduate student. This award honors a CHHS graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement through research, creative activity, outreach, engagement, scholarship, and professional contributions. Recipients exemplify excellence in their field while advancing the College’s mission through meaningful contributions to knowledge, practice, and communities.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Academic and Professional Excellence. Demonstrates strong academic performance, progress toward degree completion, professionalism, and a commitment to scholarly and professional growth.
- Research, Creative Activity, or Community Engagement. Makes contributions through research, creative work, outreach, or engagement activities that demonstrate originality, rigor, innovation, and excellence.
- Leadership and Initiative. Demonstrates leadership within their academic program, research team, professional organizations, community partnerships, and/or other settings. Shows initiative in advancing projects, solving problems, or creating opportunities for others.
- Impact and Contribution. Demonstrates meaningful outcomes and influence through their work, advancing knowledge, practice, policy, education, or community well-being within their discipline and beyond.
- Student Contribution and Future Potential. Clearly articulates their unique role and contributions to projects, programs, research, or creative endeavors and demonstrates how these experiences have prepared them for future leadership and impact in their profession or field.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled as a graduate student in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
- Be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward degree completion.
- Have demonstrated significant achievement in research, creative activity, outreach, engagement, scholarship, and/or professional contributions during their time at CSU.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Award are not eligible to receive the award again.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS All-College awards.
Scholarship, Engagement, and Service Awards
Faculty Service Excellence Award
Description
The Faculty Service Excellence Award recognizes a faculty member with five or more years of service in the College of Health and Human Sciences who has made exceptional contributions through service to their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or the broader community. This award honors faculty whose service strengthens programs, supports the success of students and colleagues, advances their profession, and reflects the College’s commitment to access, respect, engagement, and community impact.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Service Leadership and Contribution. Demonstrates exceptional service that advances the mission and effectiveness of their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or community organizations. Service contributions extend beyond routine expectations and help strengthen programs, initiatives, or communities.
- Impact and Outcomes. Provides evidence of meaningful and measurable impact through service activities, benefiting students, colleagues, alumni, professional organizations, community partners, and/or broader constituencies.
- Sustained Commitment to Service. Demonstrates a consistent record of meaningful service contributions over time, reflecting dedication to advancing the goals and mission of their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or the broader community.
- Advancing Access, Success, and Community Engagement. Through service activities, expands opportunities, addresses barriers, fosters belonging, and contributes to the success and well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities in alignment with the values of CHHS.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Hold a faculty appointment in CHHS.
- Have five or more years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate a sustained record of significant service contributions to their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or the broader community.
Note: Faculty undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Faculty Service Excellence Award (formerly Superior Faculty Service Award) are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Staff Service Excellence Award
Description
The Staff Service Excellence Award recognizes an administrative professional or state classified staff member with five or more years of service in the College of Health and Human Sciences who has made exceptional contributions through their professional responsibilities, service, leadership, and commitment to the success of the College. This award honors staff whose contributions strengthen programs and operations, support students and colleagues, foster a positive and collaborative workplace, and reflect the College’s commitment to access, respect, engagement, and community impact.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Service Leadership and Contribution. Demonstrates exceptional service that advances the mission and effectiveness of their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or community organizations. Service contributions extend beyond routine expectations and help strengthen programs, initiatives, or communities.
- Impact and Outcomes. Provides evidence of meaningful and measurable impact through service activities, benefiting students, colleagues, alumni, professional organizations, community partners, and/or broader constituencies.
- Sustained Commitment to Service. Demonstrates a consistent record of meaningful service contributions over time, reflecting dedication to advancing the goals and mission of their academic unit, CHHS, the University, their profession, and/or the broader community.
- Advancing Access, Success, and Community Engagement. Through service activities, expands opportunities, addresses barriers, fosters belonging, and contributes to the success and well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities in alignment with the values of CHHS.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold an administrative professional or state classified staff appointment in CHHS.
- Hold an appointment of 50% or greater.
- Have five or more years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate significant contributions that support the mission and success of their academic unit and/or CHHS.
Note: Staff members undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Staff Service Excellence Award (formerly Superior Staff Service Award) are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Scholarly Excellence Award
Description
The Scholarly Excellence Award is the College of Health and Human Sciences’ highest recognition for scholarly achievement. This award honors a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence and significant impact through scholarship, research, creative activity, and/or other forms of scholarly endeavor. Recipients exemplify leadership in advancing knowledge, informing practice and policy, and contributing to their discipline, profession, and communities through a distinguished body of scholarly work.
Scholarship is interpreted broadly and may include original and theoretical research, creative works, model development, scholarship of teaching and learning, research synthesis, policy research, community-engaged scholarship, and other forms of scholarly and creative activity.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Scholarly Achievement. Demonstrates a sustained record of high-quality scholarly productivity and accomplishment through publications, creative works, presentations, funded projects, dissemination activities, and/or other recognized forms of scholarship appropriate to the discipline.
- Scholarly Impact and Recognition. Provides evidence that their scholarship has influenced their field, profession, policy, practice, or communities. Impact may be demonstrated through citations, adoption of scholarly work, awards, invited presentations, external reviews, funding success, and/or national or international recognition.
- Leadership in Scholarship. Demonstrates leadership in advancing scholarship through mentoring, collaborative research, interdisciplinary initiatives, professional service, research teams, scholarly organizations, and/or contributions that elevate the visibility and reputation of their academic unit, CHHS, and the University.
- Advancing Access, Success, and Community Impact. Demonstrates how their scholarship contributes to expanding knowledge, addressing societal challenges, improving lives, informing practice or policy, and supporting the success and well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities in alignment with CSU’s land-grant mission.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Hold the rank of Associate Professor or an appointment as a Research Associate.
- Hold any faculty appointment of 50% or greater.
- Have completed at least five years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate a sustained record of significant scholarly, creative, and/or research contributions.
Note: Faculty undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Scholarly Excellence Awardare not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Early Career Scholarly Excellence Award
Description
The Early Career Scholarly Excellence Award recognizes an early-career faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and promise in scholarship during their appointment in the College of Health and Human Sciences. This award honors faculty whose research, creative activity, model development, research synthesis, policy research, community-engaged scholarship, and/or other forms of scholarly endeavor contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the success of individuals and communities. Recipients exemplify excellence in scholarship and show strong potential for continued impact and leadership in their field.
Scholarship is interpreted broadly and may include original and theoretical research, creative works, model development, scholarship of teaching and learning, research synthesis, policy research, community-engaged scholarship, and other forms of scholarly and creative activity.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Scholarly Achievement. Demonstrates a strong record of scholarly productivity and accomplishment through publications, creative works, presentations, funded projects, dissemination activities, and/or other recognized forms of scholarship appropriate to the discipline.
- Scholarly Impact and Emerging Recognition. Provides evidence that their scholarship is influencing their field, profession, policy, practice, or communities. Impact may be demonstrated through citations, external reviews, invited presentations, funding success, awards, adoption of scholarly work, and/or emerging national or international recognition.
- Innovation and Promise. Demonstrates originality, creativity, and innovation in scholarly endeavors while showing strong potential for sustained achievement, future leadership, and continued contributions to their discipline or profession.
- Advancing Access, Success, and Community Impact. Demonstrates how their scholarship expands knowledge, addresses societal challenges, improves lives, informs practice or policy, and contributes to the success and well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities in alignment with CSU’s land-grant mission.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Hold the rank of Assistant Professor or an appointment as a Research Associate.
- Hold any faculty appointment of 50% or greater.
- Have completed at least one year of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate significant scholarly, creative, and/or research contributions during their time at CSU.
Note: Faculty undergoing a promotion review are not eligible for nomination during the same year as their review.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Early Career Scholarly Excellence Award (formerly the Tenure-Track Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award) are not eligible to receive the award again.
- Individuals may receive this award only once.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards.
Community Engagement and Scholarship Excellence Award
Description
The Community Engagement and Scholarship Excellence Award recognizes individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the integration of scholarship and community engagement to advance the health and human sciences. Open to faculty (all ranks and appointment types), administrative professionals, and staff, this award honors those who build meaningful partnerships, address community-identified needs, and create positive impact through research, creative activity, outreach, policy, education, and/or applied practice. Recipients demonstrate how scholarship and engagement can work together to strengthen communities, advance knowledge, and support access, success, and well-being.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Integrated Scholarship and Community Engagement. Demonstrates the intentional integration of scholarship, research, creative activity, outreach, policy, education, and/or applied practice with community engagement efforts. Activities reflect a strong connection between scholarly work and community impact.
- Authentic and Reciprocal Partnerships. Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with community partners based on mutual respect, shared goals, and reciprocal benefit. Partners play meaningful roles in shaping, implementing, and evaluating the work.
- Impact and Recognition. Demonstrates measurable impact in both scholarly and community contexts. Evidence may include dissemination of results, funded projects, implementation of programs or policies, evaluation outcomes, recognition by peers or community partners, and contributions that advance the health and human sciences.
- Advancing Access, Success, and Community Well-Being. Addresses community-identified needs, expands opportunities, reduces barriers, and contributes to the success, health, and well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities in alignment with CSU’s land-grant mission and CHHS values.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a faculty member (all ranks and appointment types), administrative professional, staff member, or an eligible team comprised of these individuals.
- Have completed five or more years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate significant contributions that integrate scholarship and community engagement through research, creative activity, outreach, policy, education, and/or applied practice.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Community Engagement and Scholarship Excellence Award (formerly Community Engaged Scholarship Excellence Award and Outstanding Community Engagement Award) are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals or teams may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Individual recipients may be nominated as part of a team in future award cycles without a waiting period.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Access and Success Awards
Faculty and Staff Excellence in Access and Success Award
Description
The Excellence in Access and Success Award recognizes a faculty member, administrative professional, or staff member who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to advancing access, opportunity, and success within the College of Health and Human Sciences.
This award honors individuals who embody CSU’s land-grant mission by expanding pathways to education, discovery, and engagement; removing barriers to participation and achievement; and fostering environments where all members of the community can thrive. Through teaching, research, advising, service, community engagement, leadership, and/or professional practice, recipients make meaningful contributions that support the success and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and communities.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Advancing Access and Opportunity. Demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to educational, scholarly, professional, and/or engagement opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and communities. Efforts increase participation, reduce barriers, and support success.
- Building a Thriving and Supportive Community. Cultivates respectful, welcoming, and supportive environments where individuals feel valued, empowered, and connected. Contributes to a culture that promotes belonging, well-being, and mutual respect.
- Innovation and Leadership. Develops, implements, or champions innovative strategies, programs, initiatives, or practices that strengthen access, expand pathways to success, and create lasting positive change within CHHS, CSU, and/or broader communities.
- Sustained Impact and Commitment. Demonstrates a consistent and meaningful record of contributions that advance access and success over time, resulting in measurable benefits for individuals, programs, organizations, and/or communities.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a faculty member (all ranks and appointment types), administrative professional, or staff member in CHHS.
- Have completed three or more years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate significant contributions that advance access, opportunity, belonging, and success within their academic unit, CHHS, the University, and/or the broader community.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Excellence in Access and Success Award (formerly Faculty Excellence in Access and Success Award and Staff Excellence in Access and Success Award) are not eligible for reconsideration until five years after receiving the award.
- Individuals may receive this award a maximum of three times.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards at any time.
Student Excellence in Access and Success Award
Description
The Student Excellence in Access and Success Award recognizes a CHHS undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to advancing access, opportunity, and success for others. This award honors students who embody CSU’s land-grant mission by expanding pathways to education, discovery, and engagement; reducing barriers to participation and achievement; and fostering environments where all individuals can thrive. Through leadership, research, teaching, service, community engagement, advocacy, and/or mentorship, recipients make meaningful contributions that strengthen access, promote belonging, and support the success of students and communities.
Criteria
Nominees should provide evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Advancing Access and Opportunity. Demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to academic, research, leadership, service, and/or professional development opportunities for others. Efforts help reduce barriers and create pathways for student and community success.
- Building Community and Belonging. Fosters respectful, welcoming, and supportive environments where individuals feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. Demonstrates a commitment to strengthening community within CHHS, CSU, and/or partner organizations.
- Leadership, Advocacy, and Initiative. Demonstrates leadership and initiative in advancing programs, projects, research, service activities, mentoring efforts, advocacy initiatives, or community partnerships that promote access and success. Inspires and supports others through action and engagement.
- Impact and Growth. Demonstrates meaningful and sustained impact relative to educational level and available opportunities as a student. Contributions result in positive outcomes for individuals, programs, organizations, and/or communities and reflect personal growth, commitment, and potential for continued leadership.
Eligibility
Nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a faculty member (all ranks and appointment types), administrative professional, or staff member in CHHS.
- Have completed three or more years of service in CHHS.
- Demonstrate significant contributions that advance access, opportunity, belonging, and success within their academic unit, CHHS, the University, and/or the broader community.
Additional Considerations
- Previous recipients of the Student Excellence in Access and Success Award (or predecessor award categories) are not eligible to receive the award again.
- Recipients remain eligible for nomination for all other CHHS college awards.