Nominations for the 2026 Staff Awards are now open! Please take the time to recognize a deserving UMKC staff members for their significant contributions to the university.
University Awards
Each University Staff Award is presented to one individual who best exhibits the qualifications outlined in the award description. Each nominee for a University Staff Award must have two submissions to be considered for the award. All nominations for a University Staff Award are reviewed by a committee of members from across campus.
- Excellence in Student Success
- Excellence in Research and Creative Works
- Excellence in Engagement and Outreach
- Excellence in Planning, Operations and Stewardship
- Chancellor's Staff Award for Extraordinary Contributions
- Never Choose the Norm
- Rising Star
- Staff Council Dedication
Living the Values Awards
Living the Values Staff Awards are given to staff members from different units across campus. Each unit has its own nomination and selection process. Email your unit contact for deadline and nomination process information.
- Bloch School of Management - Brent Never
- Chancellor's Office, UMKC Foundation, Diastole, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Diversity and Inclusion, External Relations and Constituent Engagement, Human Resources and Provost Operations - Sara Hockens
- Curriculum and Assessment, Faculty Affairs and Faculty Support, Institutional Effectiveness, International Affairs, School of Graduate Studies - Kim Kirschenbaum
- Information Services - Matt Walker
- Institute for Human Development - Charles "Brandon" King
- Intercollegiate Athletics - JW Van den Born
- KCUR - Allyson Lawson
- Marketing and Communications - Anne Spenner
- Office of Strategic Initiative - Dr. Travis Fields and Dr. Angie Cottrell
- Research Services - Stephen "Craig" Holloman
- School of Dentistry - Dr. Keerthana Satheesh
- School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences - LaRae Eillott Vowiell
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences - Beth (Elizabeth) Vonnahme
- School of Law - Tom Green
- School of Medicine - Melissa Johnson
- School of Nursing and Health Studies - Onekia De Leon
- School of Pharmacy - Amanda Stahnke
- School of Science and Engineering - Kathleen Kilway
- Student Affairs - Kristen Temple
- Student Success and Academic Assurance - Carrie Paulette
- UMKC Conservatory - Jennifer Burrus
- UMKC Innovative Center - Patty Gentrup
- University Libraries - Cindy Thompson
- VC Administration and Finance - Julie Silkman
Nominations for both awards will be accepted until January 9th, 2026.