Nomination Process for the Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head

Guidelines

The purpose of the this award is to recognize and reward an outstanding department head at Kansas State University.

There is one $5,000 award made each year for the outstanding department head award.

Each dean may submit one nominee from his or her college.

Nominees should be submitted electronically in .pdf format to the Provost Office before the deadline.

Selection Committee Evaluation Criteria

1. Role and Scope of the Department.
1. Brief overview of the nominee's responsibilities.
2. Accomplishments and Governance as a Departments Head.
1. Displays leadership qualities, e.g., is proactive and positive, fair and equitable, has a caring attitude, is able to make difficult decisions, is able to delegate when appropriate, and fosters an inclusive approach to accomplishing tasks, and manages conflict effectively.
2. Fosters a departmental environment that is positive atmosphere for achievement.
3. Displays vision for the department, and integrates departmental strategic planning and thinking with mission and goals of the university.
4. Empowers the department, faculty, and staff.
5. Is innovative with regard to new programs, infrastructure, facilities, and organization.
6. Shows achievements in areas such as recruitment of outstanding faculty and students.
7. Promotes professional development for all department personnel.
8. Participates in professional development opportunities both within and outside the university.
9. Promotes diversity and understanding of difference among faculty, staff, and students.
3. Service/Cooperation with other Units in the College and University.
1. Places emphasis on collaboration within and among departments.
2. Is an active citizen of both the college and university.
4. Service to External, Clientele, Professional Societies, and to the Community.

Nomination Packet for Outstanding Department Head Award

The nomination packet should contain the following items:

• Letter of nomination that describes in detail why the nominee is deserving of this award from the Dean.
• Nominee's current curriculum vitae.
• Up to three letters of support: These can be from faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, classified staff, or others who work extensively with the nominee, but need not come from all these groups.
• Paragraph from nominee on his/her philosophy on leadership and management of a department.

Application

• All application materials should be sent electronically in .pdf format to provounivawards@k-state.edu. The application deadline is March 1.

 

Recipients of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head

Name	Department	Year
Ray Buyle	Architectural Engineering and Construction Science	2024
Nathan Howe	Interior Architecture & Industrial Design	2023
Elizabeth Davis	Clinical Sciences	2022
Scott DeLoach	Computer Science	2021
Michael Young	Psychological Sciences	2020
Craig Harms	Kinesiology	2019
Jeff Pickering	Political Science	2018
Karin Westman	English	2017
Amit Chakrabarti	Physics	2016
Gary Mortenson	Music, Theatre, and Dance	2015
Stephanie Rolley	Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning	2014
Bonnie Rush	Clinical Sciences	2013
David Thompson	Educational Leadership	2012
M. M. Chengappa	Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology	2011
David Fritchen	Architectural Engineering & Construction Science	2010
William Meredith	Family Studies & Human Services	2009
Bradley Kramer	Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engr	2008
Lakshmi Reddi	Civil Engineering	2007
Dean Zollman	Physics	2006
Mohammad Hosni	Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering	2005
Frank Blecha	Anatomy and Physiology	2004
Peter Sherwood	Chemistry	2003
Sonny Ramaswamy	Entomology	2002
David Procter	Speech Communication, Theatre, & Dance	2001
Virgil Wallentine	Computing & Information Sciences	2000
Daniel Bernardo	Agricultural Economics	1999
L. T. Fan	Chemical Engineering	1998
Brian Spooner	Division of Biology	1997