Organizational Culture Award

Sponsored by Moran Technology Consulting | 2026 EDUCAUSE Mission Partner

About the EDUCAUSE Organizational Culture Award

The EDUCAUSE Organizational Culture Award recognizes the degree to which success in higher education institutions depends on fostering a healthy campus culture. Technology initiatives and innovation are always powered by people, and this award celebrates an individual who works to contribute to a positive and thriving campus culture. This individual is a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating leadership in creating a supportive and engaging environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Awards will be made at the discretion of the Recognition Committee which may choose to grant one award, no award, or multiple awards in any one year. In general, EDUCAUSE awards are not intended to be given posthumously.

Individuals are eligible for this award. The relative ability of individuals to contribute and make an impact will be taken into account during judging.

Nomination Requirements

Anyone may submit a nomination for the Organizational Culture Award, with the candidate's permission. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominations must clearly document why the candidate should be considered, above all others, for this distinguished award.

Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection process without additional research. Complete nominations must include the nominee's curriculum vitae or résumé(s). Although a CV or résumé provides the committee with a more comprehensive overview of the nominee's accomplishments and experiences, it is not a substitute for any of the required information listed below. After reviewing the initial nomination submissions, the committee may request reference letters to assist in the evaluation of the nominees under consideration.

Each nominee will be judged against the following required criteria:

• Leadership of relevant initiatives to improve organizational culture in the institution or institutions where they have been or are employed
• Leadership of initiatives to advance concepts and practices relating to positive organizational culture in EDUCAUSE venues (conferences, webinars, publications, workshops, etc.)
• Leadership of initiatives to advance concepts and practices relating to positive organizational culture in the profession (conferences, webinars, publications, workshops, etc.).

In addition, the committee will also look for evidence of tangible results, such as:

• Raising awareness about challenges and opportunities related to culture change
• Creating successful frameworks for addressing challenges and creating opportunities for improvement
• Implementing initiatives that make positive contributions in areas such as work-life balance, burnout, mental health and well-being, and teamwork.
• Leading in the creation of efforts to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed

Guidelines and Eligibility

• An EDUCAUSE award is intended to be a rare recognition. No individual awards will be given more than once to the same individual. Preference for the Leadership Award and the Community Leadership Award will be given to candidates who have not received either of these awards previously. Preference for awards in general is given to those who have not recently received an EDUCAUSE award.
• Candidates must be or have been contributing members of our professional community, directly associated with managing information technology and resources in higher education, who have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the field.
• Candidates may not be currently serving on the EDUCAUSE Board, staff, or Recognition Committee.
• Anyone within or outside of higher education may submit nominations for the award.
• Individuals are eligible for this award.
• Nominations will not be accepted for individuals employed at non-member institutions. All awardees must be employed at a member institution whose membership status is current in order to receive the award.

Recognition

Individual award recipients are recognized at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference and receive complimentary registration, travel, and housing for the conference. Recipients also receive a presentation slot at the annual conference and a $3,000 honorarium, which can be put toward another EDUCAUSE event. Highlights of awardees’ accomplishments are also added to the award gallery on the EDUCAUSE website.

Recipients will also earn an EDUCAUSE microcredential as a way to digitally document and display their achievement.

Recipients

This is a new EDUCAUSE award.