Staff Awards
The College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) is proud to introduce a new set of annual staff awards that celebrate the heartbeat of our college, the people who keep it moving, thriving, and uniquely Memphis. Our success is not just measured by what happens on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom. It is built on the dedication, creativity, and soul our staff bring to their work every single day. From mentoring students and solving complex challenges to building bridges across departments and amplifying our presence in the community, CCFA staff are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Just like the city we call home, gritty, soulful, and unapologetically bold, our staff keep things real and keep things running. These new awards reflect our deep commitment to honoring the individuals who make CCFA not just a college, but a creative family.
We invite everyone in the CCFA community to help us shine a light on the remarkable people who keep our college in rhythm. If you have seen someone go the extra mile, bring fresh ideas to the table, unite a team, or show rising promise, we want to hear about it. Submit a nomination and help us celebrate the spirit, passion, and excellence that define CCFA. Self-nominations are welcome too, because Memphis does not wait for permission to take the stage.
Staff Excellence in Student Support Award
Description
- Purpose: Celebrates staff who go above and beyond to support student success through mentorship, advising, services, or behind-the-scenes support.
- Eligibility: All staff with at least two years of service.
- Nomination Procedure: Nominations accepted from any member of the CCFA community, including faculty, staff, and students. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Documentation: Nomination letter with example(s) of student engagement and impact.
- Award Received: $300 and commemorative plaque.
Evaluation Criteria
- Student Support Excellence: Evidence that the nominee provides outstanding mentorship, advising, services, or behind-the-scenes assistance that directly benefits students.
- Positive Impact on Students: Clear examples of how the nominee’s work has improved student success, engagement, retention, or growth.
- Going Above and Beyond: Demonstrated actions that exceed normal job expectations and significantly enhance the student experience.
- Breadth and Inclusivity of Impact: Evidence that the nominee’s contributions benefit a wide range of students, including those from diverse backgrounds or with varied needs.
Each category is worth 1–5 points.
Staff Innovation and Problem-Solving Award
Description
- Purpose: Celebrates staff who have implemented creative, strategic, or impactful solutions that improve the college’s operations or systems.
- Eligibility: All staff with at least two years of service.
- Nomination Procedure: Nominations accepted from any member of the CCFA community, including faculty, staff, and students. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Documentation: Nomination letter with example(s) of innovation and impact.
- Award Received: $300 and commemorative plaque.
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovation and Creativity: Evidence of creative or novel approaches that address challenges or improve operations, systems, or processes within the college.
- Problem-Solving Effectiveness: Clear examples showing how the nominee identified a problem, developed a solution, and successfully implemented it.
- Impact of the Solution: Documented improvements resulting from the nominee’s innovation, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, improved communication, or enhanced experiences for students, faculty, or staff.
- Sustainability and Transferability: Evidence that the solution has lasting benefits and/or can be adapted or scaled for use in other areas of the college.
Each category is worth 1–5 points.
Staff Outstanding Collaboration Award
Description
- Purpose: Celebrates staff who build bridges, foster teamwork, and create a positive culture through collaboration across departments or units.
- Eligibility: All staff with at least two years of service.
- Nomination Procedure: Nominations accepted from any member of the CCFA community, including faculty, staff, and students. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Documentation: Nomination letter with example(s) of collaboration and impact.
- Award Received: $300 and commemorative plaque.
Evaluation Criteria
- Evidence of Cross-Department Collaboration: Clear examples of the nominee working effectively across departments, units, or teams to achieve a shared goal.
- Positive Impact of Collaborative Efforts: Documented results showing how collaboration improved operations, services, relationships, or experiences for students, faculty, or staff.
- Relationship-Building and Teamwork: Evidence that the nominee fosters trust, respect, and open communication that strengthens teamwork.
- Contribution to Positive Culture: Examples of how the nominee’s collaborative approach has created a more inclusive, supportive, or productive work environment.
Each category is worth 1–5 points.
Staff Cultural and Creative Stewardship Award
Description
- Purpose: Celebrates staff who enhance CCFA’s public image, creative initiatives, or community presence through communications, outreach, or cultural contributions.
- Eligibility: All staff with at least two years of service.
- Nomination Procedure: Nominations accepted from any member of the CCFA community, including faculty, staff, and students. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Documentation: Nomination letter with example(s) of public-facing initiatives, communications, or creative contributions and impact.
- Award Received: $300 and commemorative plaque.
Evaluation Criteria
- Enhancement of CCFA’s Public Image: Evidence that the nominee’s work positively elevates CCFA’s visibility, reputation, and recognition within the community or beyond.
- Contribution to Creative or Cultural Initiatives: Examples of the nominee leading or supporting creative projects, cultural events, or artistic endeavors that align with CCFA’s mission.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Documented efforts that connect CCFA with external communities, partners, or audiences in meaningful ways.
- Demonstrated Impact: Evidence that the nominee’s contributions have a clear, measurable, or widely recognized impact on CCFA’s presence or creative identity.
Each category is worth 1–5 points.
Staff Rising Star Award
Description
- Purpose: Celebrates early-career staff members who show exceptional promise, work ethic, and contribution to the college’s mission.
- Eligibility: All staff within their first two years of service.
- Nomination Procedure: Nominations accepted from any member of the CCFA community, including faculty, staff, and students. Self-nominations are also welcome.
- Documentation: Nomination letter with example(s) of performance and impact.
- Award Received: $300 and commemorative plaque.
Evaluation Criteria
- Demonstrated Excellence in Role: Evidence of outstanding performance, initiative, or contributions within the first two years of service.
- Alignment with CCFA’s Mission: Examples showing how the nominee’s work supports and advances the college’s mission, values, and goals.
- Work Ethic and Professionalism: Documentation of strong dedication, reliability, adaptability, and a proactive approach to responsibilities.
- Potential for Future Impact: Evidence that the nominee demonstrates exceptional promise for continued growth, leadership, and contributions to the college.
Each category is worth 1–5 points.
Award recipients are announced during the College’s annual Fall Meeting.
Nomination deadline is April 1.