Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership

The purpose of this award is to recognize exemplary service and leadership by a faculty or staff member at any level or in any administrative or academic unit of the University. The award is meant to call attention to extraordinary situational leadership accomplishments over and above job or position expectations such as an individual leading an effort to solve a difficult major problem, successfully managing an extremely important project, designing an imaginative and creative new initiative, reaching out to improve the TCU or Fort Worth community in some significant way, or transforming the quality and performance of an administrative unit or academic department.

The nominee must demonstrate most of these qualities:

• Be a three-quarters or full-time employee who has served as a member of the faculty or staff (exempt or non-exempt) for at least three years
• A passion for and commitment to his or her work
• Evidence of mentoring and helping others in his or her work environment to succeed and develop in the personal area of expertise
• An appreciation for and use of participatory approaches to problem solving, planning, and implementation
• An active interest in effective communication (i.e., taking initiatives to keep people informed and actively listening to concerns)
• Behavior that is consistent with the spirit of the TCU mission statement
• A definable important contribution to his or her professional field or area of special work expertise

• All TCU faculty and staff may make nominations.
• Nomination packets could include a cover letter describing the leadership achievement, backup materials that will support or further explain the situation, and letters of endorsement from key people who were involved in the situation precipitating the nomination.
• A current vita of the nominee may be included if considered relevant to the nomination.
• Nominations should be submitted online
• Finalists will be selected by the committee and sent to the chancellor for final selection.
• Finalists will receive $1,000.
• This award is presented at the University’s Opening Luncheon and the recipient will receive an additional award of $5,000.

• Chairman – Ms. Sheri Miller
• Academic Affairs – Ms. Elaine Cole
• Advancement- Mr. Dennis Alexander
• Athletics – Mr. Mike Sinquefield
• Brite Divinity School – Dr. Newell Williams
• Finance & Administration – Ms. Terry Haney
• Human Resources – Ms. Pam Hartwell
• Marketing & Communication – Ms. Holly Ellman
• Student Affairs – Ms. Sue McClellan