Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award
Established in 2017, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award recognizes the exceptional and exemplary work of an individual, outside primary, work-related responsibilities, in advancing the values of, inclusion, equity, and diversity across the 性爱五色天, Reno, and among the greater and surrounding communities.
Announced at the annual Honor the Best ceremony, the recipient receives a $1,500 award.
Nomination process
Any current University employee may nominate an eligible candidate.
Nominee must have three years of cumulative service at the University by the nomination date to be considered for this achievement award. In addition, the candidate must be a current, full-time University academic/administrative faculty or classified staff member that has not received this award.
Diversity & Inclusion will send a campus announcement calling for nominations in January.
Nominations are typically due to the Diversity & Inclusion office by mid-March.
Each nomination should contain the following information:
- A formal letter of nomination addressing:
- The nominator/s should indicate how they know the nominee, the length of time, and how they are familiar with the diversity work of the nominee.
- The nominee’s current role within the university
- How the nominee’s work in the area of inclusion, equity, and diversity is exceptional and meets the criteria of this award by answering these three questions:
- In regards to programming and/or educational efforts, how has the nominee advanced the understandings and practices of inclusion, equity, and diversity at the University by providing mentoring and leadership in the areas and beyond the nominee’s formal work responsibilities?
- In terms of advancing advocacy, belonging and/or policy impacts, how has the nominee advocated for inclusion, equity, and diversity, served as a role model, facilitated opportunities for others, and/or taken a stand on critical issues related to inclusion, equity, and diversity?
- How has the nominee generated innovative ways of improving the overall, organizational and cultural climate through different and sustainable activities?
- No more than three letters of support from multiple sources which may include students/faculty/staff that are knowledgeable of the nominee’s qualifications.
Nominees will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of the most recent recipient, two University Associate Deans of Diversity & Inclusion, and the University Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
The award recipient will be notified in early April and receive the award in early May.
Previous award recipients
- 2023 - Ignacio Montoya, Assistant Professor
- 2022 - Juana Reynoza-Gomez, Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention
- 2022 - Alexis Erwin, Manager of Prospective Student Events and Programming
- 2021 - Lorraine Benuto, Associate Professor
- 2020 - Eleni Oikonomidoy, Associate Dean and Professor
- 2019 - Stephen Rock, Director and Professor
- 2018 - Albert Lee, Associate Professor
- 2017 - Melanie Duckworth, Associate Dean and Associate Professor