Nominations are open through Aug. 12 for the 2026 Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Awards for Staff.
The awards are the highest honor the University of Pittsburgh grants to classified and union-eligible staff members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the University. These are individuals who have consistently exceeded the standards and expectations of their position, and who also have made a significant impact on the University through their commitment to the institution, students, programs, their home communities and their colleagues.
Up to nine awards will be granted this year. The awards recognize the diversity of all ranks of staff members throughout our Pittsburgh and regional campuses.
Nominations are open in nine categories:
-
Student Impact Award: A staff member whose efforts have helped students succeed and grow as individuals, contributed to the quality of life for students, demonstrated consistently excellent customer service, and promoted and supported a culture of diversity and respect on our campuses.
-
Research Support Award: A staff member who has worked to advance the University’s research efforts.
-
Innovation in Advancing Administrative and Operational Efficiency Award: A staff member who has made exceptional contributions toward effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace, including implementing innovative approaches to improving productivity or developing cost-saving plans.
-
University Engagement Award: A staff member who extends their commitment to the University through exemplary participation in volunteer activities within the University, through service on committees, working on special projects or volunteering to assist with events or programs that are outside the scope of their normal job duties.
-
Community Engagement Award: A staff member who has dedicated themself to making their community a better place to live and to improving the quality of life for others.
-
Outstanding Career Achievement Award: A staff member with more than 20 years of unparalleled service to the University who, throughout their career, has made exceptional contributions to the success of their department and the University, who has earned the respect of their peers, and whose efforts have defined what it means to be part of the Pitt community.
-
Exceptional Early Career Achievement Award: a staff member in the earliest stages of their career (three to five years) who is not in a management position and has exceeded the expectations of their position, taken on numerous assignments and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the University.
-
Commitment to Engagement and Wellbeing Award: This award recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering welcoming environments that support the success and wellbeing of all members of the University community. The recipient actively contributes to initiatives that strengthen engagement, community and wellbeing within their department, business unit, school and the broader University.
-
Excellent Mentor Award: a staff member who serves as a role model and mentor to their staff colleagues, helping them to develop and improve their skills, acclimate to new positions or learn new processes so that they can achieve success in their own careers at Pitt.
Award recipients will each receive a $2,500 cash prize, be announced in a University news publication and, as a more permanent tribute, have their names added to a plaque displayed in the William Pitt Union that is inscribed with the names of all previous recipients of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Awards for Staff.
Recognize a deserving colleague by submitting an online nomination form. The deadline for submitting nominations is Aug. 12.