Focus of Award: Leadership
Chairpersons are currently eligible for the Iorio (research), Distinguished Teaching and Elliot (service) awards.
The goal of this new award is to foster and reward outstanding academic leadership.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Paul Jivoff |
| 2024 | Anubha Mishra |
Criteria
Nominees require at least the completion of a full term (three years) as chairpersons to be eligible for this award
Nominees will be evaluated in three areas for their leadership qualities and vision:
- Responsible and professional management of the department
- Mentoring and professional communication
- Innovation
The following are some examples of criteria which can be applied to each area:
Responsible and professional management of the department
- Prepares and manages departmental budget in a timely, efficient and responsible manner
- Oversees the timely and effective planning, preparation and execution of the departmental workload
- Submits reports, data and other documents as needed by deans and other administrative offices in a timely manner
- Maintains active internship and co-op programs
- Monitors and attends to the quality of instruction in the department
- Facilitates problem-solving and solution-building when difficulties arise
- Interacts actively and responsibly with students
Mentoring and professional communication
- Acts as a mentor and positive example to other members of the department and their students
- Communicates productively with other chairpersons, faculty and students
- Acts as a liaison for the department to other members of the Rider community
- Develops external relationships with stakeholders
- Represents Rider at events
Innovation
- Launches new initiatives and projects successfully
- Provides leadership to the department in the development and evolution of innovative curricula and courses
- Develops and expands new opportunities for students and faculty
Selection Process
Nominations will be solicited annually, in the fall semester, from academic deans and associate/assistant deans, department chairpersons, and full- and part-time faculty. Nominations should indicate the support of the dean of the nominee’s college/school and should speak to the nominee’s leadership in the three areas. Selection will be made by a committee appointed annually by the provost representing all colleges and schools and comprised of two deans/associate deans, the chairperson awardee from the prior year (with the exception of the first year of the award), and two full-time bargaining unit faculty members elected by the UAPC.
The Award
As is the case with current awards, the awardees will receive a framed certificate and a $500 check. The awardees will be also added to the Wall of Fame. The award will be announced at a special dinner for all chairpersons, and the community will be informed in an appropriate manner by the provost.