2025 Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award nominations open

The University of New Mexico Staff Council is accepting nominations for the 2025 Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award. Established in 1990 by former UNM President Gerald W. May, this presidential honor recognizes staff members who have made significant contributions to the university.

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit nominations. All UNM staff are eligible, including those at the UNM Health Sciences Center and branch campuses. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. Click here to submit a nomination.

The Staff Council Rewards and Recognition Committee will review all nominations and forward their recommendations to the Staff Council Executive Committee for approval, with final selections being made by President Garnett S. Stokes. Award recipients will be honored at a public ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 5.

A minimum of three awards are presented each year with each recipient receiving a monetary award and a commemorative plaque.

Since its origin in 1991, more than 140 staff members have been recognized for their service. Past recipients are known for their leadership, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service excellence.

Gerald W. May served as UNM's 14th president from 1986 to 1990. In his final year, he established a fund specifically for staff recognition, later matched by the Regents' Endowment Fund. Today, the award continues with the support from Institutional Support Services.

For more information, visit the Staff Council website, and for questions, contact award coordinators Jessica Hitzman and Nichole Smith.