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Excellence Awards

​​​Excellence awards recognize employees who perform above and beyond their normal job responsibilities. These employees exemplify Harper's core values and have made significant contributions to the institution.

Full and part-time staff, faculty and administrators who have been employed at Harper for at least one year and are in good standing are eligible for Excellence Awards with the following exceptions:

• ​​​Employees from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are ineligible for the Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
• Executive Cabinet members are ineligible for both the Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award and the Excellence in Leadership Award.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, March 7, 2024. One recipient will be awarded in each category and award winners will be honored at the annual employee recognition celebration​.

For questions about the excellence awards, please contact Dr. Tamara A. Johnson. 

Excellence in Leadership Award

This award recognizes a Harper employee who demonstrates excellence in leadership. Employees at all levels of the institution can exemplify leadership qualities; therefore, supervisory/management responsibilities or official administrative titles are not required. This employee has the exceptional ability to foster collaboration, develop meaningful relationships among colleagues and campus constituents, contributes to the overall effectiveness of their department/division and makes a significant, positive impact on the campus community. Submit a nomination.

Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

This award recognizes a Harper employee who demonstrates the exceptional ability to lead, organize and/or engage community members in the challenging, yet necessary work of equity, diversity and inclusion through their voice, vision and actions. This colleague thoughtfully centers people, advocates for marginalized populations and amplifies the voices of the unheard and underserved. They are passionate and embody the college's commitment to developing and sustaining a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. Submit a nomination​.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients!

 Dr. Joanne Ivory was celebrated as the recipient of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for her active engagement and commitment to DEI initiatives across campus.​ Michael Shaw was honored as the recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award for his ability to collaborate, problem solve and serve as a mentor for those in his department.

2023 Excellence Awards recipients with Dr. Tamara A. Johnson (VP of DEI) and Dr. Avis Proctor (President).