McComas Staff Leadership Award

The McComas Staff Leadership Award recognizes non-student wage and staff (classified and university) employees who regularly demonstrate the behaviors of a strong leader in support of the goals of the university, senior management area, or department. The award is sponsored by the Division of Human Resources and Staff Senate.

Nomination Information

Award winners will receive a $1,000 (pre-tax) award and will be recognized at the university's annual faculty and staff awards reception.

All employees in classified or university staff and non-student hourly wage positions that work in any Virginia Tech location are eligible. Employees must have worked for the university for at least one year.

Nominees do not need to be in a management or supervisory position – they can serve in any role. Their strength as a leader can be demonstrated through their participation in governance, providing leadership through their membership on steering committees and project teams, in their capacity as a supervisor, or in other capacities related to the university.

Past winners are not eligible for five years.

Using examples, nominations should specifically describe how the staff member demonstrates leadership qualities and behaviors and how these contribute to the university, senior management area, or department. Leadership examples include but are not limited to the following:

  • Providing appropriate feedback and guidance.
  • Encouraging participation and involving others.
  • Listening to and respecting the opinions of others.
  • Using a leadership style appropriate to the person, task, and situation.
  • Setting clear goals and objectives, and clearly communicating the link between individual efforts and the organization’s mission.
  • Involving others in opportunities for development and training.
  • Leading by example.

It is the nominator’s responsibility to complete the online nomination and to upload the required documentation.

Self-nominations are accepted and will require department head approval.

These items can be uploaded as one document.

Nominations must be submitted electronically.

Nominations are now closed

Please check back on December 1, for the next nomination cycle.

For more information, email employeeprogram@vt.edu