Leadership Excellence Award

Overview

The NDUS Leadership Excellence Award recognizes and honors executive and senior leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, innovation, and dedication to their organization and the North Dakota University System. This prestigious award celebrates leaders whose contributions have advanced organization success, strengthened culture, and created a significant and lasting positive impact across the university system.

Eligibility

  • Regular, benefited employees in the 0000 (Executive) and 1000 (Administrative/Managerial Broadband Classifications) who have been employed within the university system for a minimum of two consecutive years.
  • Employees with no active disciplinary actions.
  • Previous nominees who did not receive the award may be renominated.
  • Previous recipients are eligible for renomination after three years.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Members of the nomination review committee are not eligible.
  • NDUS Campus CEOs (Presidents and Dean of Dakota College at Bottineau) are not eligible

Award Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria and should demonstrate excellence in at least two (2) of the five (5) categories below.

  1. Strategic Leadership and Vision
    • Demonstrates a clear and compelling vision that advances institutional and system priorities.
    • Leads initiatives that align with strategic goals and produce meaningful outcomes.
    • Anticipates future challenges and opportunities and develops proactive solutions.
    • Effectively communicates direction and inspires others to achieve shared objectives.
  2. Organizational Innovation and Transformation
    • Champions innovative ideas, programs, or processes that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
    • Leads change initiatives that result in measurable improvements.
    • Encourages creative problem-solving and continuous improvement within the organization.
    • Demonstrates adaptability and resilience in navigating complex challenges.
  3. Collaboration and Relationship Building
    • Builds strong partnerships across departments, campuses, and external stakeholders.
    • Fosters a culture of trust, inclusion, and shared accountability.
    • Effectively engages diverse perspectives to support informed decision-making.
    • Promotes cooperation and collaboration that strengthens institutional and system-wide success.
  4. Talent Development and Employee Engagement
    • Demonstrates a commitment to developing and mentoring employees.
    • Creates opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
    • Fosters a positive workplace culture that values respect, engagement, and well-being.
    • Empowers individuals and teams to achieve their highest potential.
  5. Impact and Stewardship
    • Demonstrates exceptional stewardship of institutional resources.
    • Achieves measurable results that advance the institution’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability.
    • Leads initiatives that create lasting organizational improvements.
    • Makes contributions that positively impact students, employees, stakeholders, and the university system overall.

Nomination Process

  1. Nomination Period
    • Nominations will be accepted from Aug. 19, 2026– Sept. 4, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST.
  2. Nomination Materials
  3. Submission
    • All nomination materials should be submitted electronically through the online nomination portal. Supporting documents may be submitted via email as specified in the nomination instructions.

Selection Process

  1. A leadership award review committee will review all complete nominations.
  2. Evaluation will be based on the award criteria listed above, with each criterion weighed equally.
  3. Nominees will be assessed on the strength of leadership accomplishments, organizational impact, and contributions to institutional and system success.
  4. Up to three recipients annually may be selected.

The leadership award review committee will consist of the Deputy Commissioner for Operations/Chief Operating Officer, the NDUS Chief Human Resources Officer, and the NDUS Commissioner’s Executive Assistant.

Recognition

Award recipients will receive:

  • A commemorative plaque.
  • Recognition through NDUS communications, publications and website.
  • Recognition at a State Board of Higher Education meeting.

Timeline

  • Nomination Period:  Aug. 19 – Sept. 4
  • Committee Review:  Sept. 4 – 9
  • Recipients Notified:  By Sept. 11
  • Recognition and Award Ceremony:  Sept. 24th, SBHE Meeting at Minot State University

Contact

For questions regarding the NDUS Leadership Excellence Award, please contact: NDUS.AWARDS@ndus.edu