Recognition

The Staff Award for Excellence program is designed to acknowledge and express appreciation for outstanding accomplishments that do not fall entirely within the scope of normal duties but are in the nature of a major contribution reflecting credit on the person and State service.

Nominations for the 2025 Staff Awards for Excellence are open!

Before beginning a nomination, check out the Staff Award for Excellence Nomination Rules & Guidelines to get a general overview.
You can also check out the Staff Award for Excellence Online Submission Checklist to make sure you have everything needed to submit a nomination.

The Seven Award for Excellence Categories:

1. Customer Service - Provided exceptional service that left the customer fully satisfied with their experience. Exceeded expectations to meet the needs of the customer. Added value to the customer experience.
2. Efficiency and Innovation - Improved the efficiency of state government services. Established new and/or improved methods, practices, plans or designs resulting in innovation, savings and/or efficiencies. This is an ideal area to nominate an employee who has thought of and implemented an employee suggestion that has proven successful.
3. Human Relations - Made outstanding contributions toward enhancing the quality and morale of the workplace or creating a better public image of state government (such as positive personal interaction with other employees; public awareness; working on relations internally within an agency; or collaboration between different agencies).
4. Outstanding State Government Service - Exhibited unselfish devotion to duty far and above the normal requirements and contributed significantly to the advancement of state service to the citizens of North Carolina. 
5. Public Service - Made outstanding contributions by participating in or implementing community and public service projects (such as volunteering with various non-profit organizations).
6. Safety and Heroism - Demonstrated outstanding judgment or courage in an emergency, voluntarily risking his/her life or exhibited meritorious action to prevent injury, loss of life or prevented damage to or loss of property.
7. Spirit of North Carolina - Exemplified the state motto "To be, rather than to seem." Mentored others in the pursuit of excellence.  Served as an ambassador for the State of North Carolina. This special award is reserved for exceptional circumstances and for accomplishments and achievements of the highest caliber.

We see examples of the exceptional service and dedication to excellence demonstrated by our employees every day. Soaring Seahawk is a way to recognize those employees who have taken their UNCW service to the next level.

What Is a Soaring Seahawk?

A "Soaring Seahawk" is a personalized message of appreciation shared with a UNCW employee (or group of employees) who has gone above and beyond in their support of the university. Soaring Seahawk recipients receive an email with a copy of the nomination message, a special thank you from the HR team, and a customized certificate recognizing their contributions. Nominators have the option of letting the recipient know who submitted the Soaring Seahawk or to remain anonymous.

Who Can Receive a Soaring Seahawk?

Have you received outstanding service from a UNCW employee and want to send a special thank you? Do you know someone who went above and beyond in their job to help you or benefit campus? UNCW's Soaring Seahawk program is a means for recognizing exceptional service by any UNCW employee. Everyone can participate!

How Do I Nominate Someone For a Soaring Seahawk?

Complete the Soaring Seahawk Nomination Form - be sure to follow our guidelines for submitting a strong nomination. Nominations can be submitted by individuals or groups. The Soaring Seahawk committee meets once a month to review submissions and award Soaring Seahawks to nominees.