University Emerging Leader Award

Purpose 

The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor the achievements of an emerging leader at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, their positive impacts on our campus and greater community, and their ability to lead and inspire through their excellence.

Criteria for Selection

The Emerging Leader Award is one given to a Faculty, A/P, or Civil Service staff member within their first 10 years at SIU*, who shows commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence through demonstrated leadership, vision, or actions for those they serve on campus and in the southern Illinois community. Given that this award is presented by the Network Empowering Women, preference will be given to nominees who work towards gender equity.

*Years as a student do not count for the purposes of this award.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the award may be proposed by individuals internal and external to the University.  The nomination materials should include: 

1. a nominating letter from a “sponsor” for the individual nominated.  This sponsor will assume the coordination role for assembling the package of materials described below.  The sponsor letter will be no more than four typewritten pages in length;
2. a current resume or vitae of the individual being nominated including a complete professional employment history.  There is no limit to the length of this document but it should be a resume or vitae and is not to include exhibits or supporting information.  The burden of making the case for excellence lies with the letters and the professional history of the nominee; and
3. up to six supporting letters of no more than two typewritten pages each.  Depending on the award, letters can be from individuals within and external to SIU Carbondale. 
4. 100-150 word biography of the nominee (may be written by the nominee).
5. Checklist cover page.

The complete package (sponsor letter, resume or vitae, up to six supporting letters, biography of nominee, and checklist cover page) must be received by the nomination deadline.  All materials should be submitted to the Office of Diversity, Anthony Hall Room 106, Mail Code:  4341, Attention:  Emerging Leader Excellence Award Committee.  Nominations may also be submitted electronically to diversity@siu.edu.

Nominations are due by Monday, February 2, 2026, 4:30 p.m.  Materials will not be accepted after the deadline.

Selection Process

The selection will be made by members of the Network Empowering Women Committee and previous award recipients (when available). Consensus decision-making procedures are used to select award recipients.

Eligibility

Must be a current, full-time SIU Carbondale Faculty, A/P, or Civil Service staff member within their first 10 years at SIU. Years as a student do not count for the purposes of this award.

This award is permanent recognition of an outstanding emerging leader and is, therefore, awarded only once during their career at the university.

Nature of Award

A framed certificate and a $1,000 monetary award are to be granted to the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. The recipient will also receive recognition at the annual awards reception and May commencement ceremony. 

A reserved parking space is provided from August 1 through July 31; recipients must have a valid parking decal.

Note:  Awards received may be subject to Federal and State taxes as required by law.