Vice Provost Recognition and Reward Program

At KSU, we believe that exceptional performance deserves a standing ovation, and that’s where the True Owl awards program takes center stage! This lively initiative is all about celebrating the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated staff who soar above and beyond in their roles. Whether it’s dazzling teamwork, innovative problem-solving, or simply going the extra mile, True Owls are our campus superstars—and we’re rolling out the red carpet to honor their outstanding contributions!

scrappy on campus.

To receive an incentive payment, the individual must be a current employee of the department at the time of payment. Once an employee has received an award, he/she will not be eligible to receive the same award during the same fiscal year.

Nomination Application

We invite our team members to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of their colleagues through the True Owl Awards nomination process. This is an opportunity to highlight those who embody KSU’s core values and have made significant impacts within their departments and the university. Nominate deserving team members in categories such as the True Owl Award, Wise Owl Award, Collaborative Owl Award, Student Inspired Owl Award, Ambassador Owl Award, and Owlet Award. Check out individual nomination guidelines for each award below. Submit your nomination form along with letters of support by April 11, 2025, to trueowls@kennesaw.edu.

nominate an owl

Award Categories

Introducing the True Owl Award, Wise Owl Award, Collaborative Owl Award, Student Inspired Owl Award, Ambassador Owl Award, and Owlet Award—each of these prestigious accolades honors exceptional employees who have made significant contributions to our department. From recognizing those who embody our core values with unwavering dedication and excellence, to celebrating visionary leadership, teamwork, student mentorship, brand ambassadorship, and impactful newcomers, these awards highlight the outstanding achievements and commitment of our staff.

Together, they showcase the diverse ways in which our team members drive innovation, foster collaboration, and inspire positive change within our community.

  • The True Owl Award is the pinnacle of employee recognition within our department, celebrating individuals who exemplify our core values with unwavering dedication and excellence. Named after the wise and perceptive owl, this prestigious accolade honors the employee who embodies integrity, teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in all they do. Recipients of The True Owl Award serve as beacons of inspiration, setting the standard for professionalism, leadership, and passion for our shared mission. This award symbolizes not only outstanding performance but also a deep-rooted alignment with our department's ethos, making it the highest honor a team member can achieve.

    This award will be bestowed upon an employee from AAF: Student Success, AAF: Data Strategy, ESE: Enrollment Services, ESE: Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Education who meets the following criteria:  

    • Employment duration of over three years at the University.  
    • No disciplinary incidents within the previous twelve months.  
    • Received an overall evaluation rating of either "Superior" or "Exemplary" (a rating of 4 or 5) from their manager.  

    Additionally, the preferred candidate should exhibit the following qualities:  

    • Exhibits a strong track record of leadership, inspiring others through their actions and setting a compelling example of excellence.  
    • Demonstrates a keen sense of strategic vision, contributing innovative ideas and solutions that drive the department forward.  
    • Shows a dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, actively seeking out diverse perspectives and ensuring all voices are heard and valued.  
    • Displays a commitment to ethical decision-making and upholding the highest standards of integrity in all professional endeavors.  
    • Proactively seeks opportunities to collaborate across departments and disciplines, forging partnerships that lead to impactful outcomes and advancements.  

    In addition to completing the nomination form, please include at least two letters of support.  

    Recommendations for Letters of Support:  

    • Request letters from individuals with diverse viewpoints (e.g., coworkers, current or former supervisors, KSU students, faculty members, staff from other departments, etc.).
      • If you are not the nominee's direct supervisor, endeavor to include a letter from their direct supervisor if feasible.  

    You have the option to submit a single letter or multiple letters composed by groups of supporters. Letters of support should furnish evidence demonstrating that the candidate meets or surpasses the qualifications detailed above.  

    The recipient will be recognized by the Vice Provost at the annual meeting and will receive a plaque and $250.00 added to their paycheck.

    *Incentive payments will be processed through payroll. Payments are included and taxed as salary in the pay period issued.

  • The Wise Owl Award recognizes the visionary employees who have propelled our unit forward with their exceptional problem-solving abilities and commitment to excellence. Named after the wise and insightful owl, this prestigious accolade honors individuals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and innovation, drove positive change, and achieved outstanding results. Recipients of The Wise Owl Award embody the spirit of forward-thinking and strategic decision-making, serving as catalysts for progress and inspiring their colleagues to reach new heights. This award celebrates not only their accomplishments but also their dedication to finding the best solutions and pushing the boundaries of what's possible within our unit.

    This award will be bestowed upon an employee from AAF: Student Success, AAF: Data Strategy, ESE: Enrollment Services, ESE: Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Education who meets the following criteria:  

    • Employment duration of one year or more at the University.  
    • No disciplinary incidents within the previous twelve months.
    • Received an overall evaluation rating of either "Superior" or "Exemplary" (a rating of 4 or 5) from their manager.

    Additionally, the preferred candidate should exhibit the following qualities:  

    • Displays a history of driving impactful change through innovative approaches, consistently seeking out opportunities for improvement and implementing effective solutions.  
    • Exhibits strong strategic thinking skills, capable of identifying emerging trends and anticipating future challenges to proactively address them.  
    • Demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, inspiring and motivating others to achieve excellence and fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.  
    • Shows a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, actively seeking out new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of industry trends and developments.  
    • Embraces a culture of adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic environments and navigating complex situations with grace and determination.

    In addition to completing the nomination form, please include at least one letter of support.  

    Recommendations for Letters of Support:  

    • Letter of support from either a coworker, past or present supervisor, student, internal or external stakeholder, faculty member, or staff in an outside department.
      • If you are not the nominee's direct supervisor, providing a letter from their direct supervisor is encouraged.

    Letters of support must provide evidence the candidate meets or exceeds the above qualifications.

    The recipient will be recognized by the Vice Provost at the annual meeting and will receive a plaque and $100.00 added to their paycheck.  

    *Incentive payments will be processed through payroll. Payments are included and taxed as salary in the pay period issued.

  • The Collaborative Owl Award celebrates individuals who exemplify the power of teamwork and collaboration, both within Kennesaw State University and beyond its borders. Named after the cooperative and social nature of the owl, this esteemed recognition honors those who have forged meaningful partnerships and fostered synergies with external organizations, as well as colleagues across campus. Recipients of The Collaborative Owl Award embody the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals and advance our collective mission. This award not only acknowledges their outstanding efforts in building bridges and cultivating relationships but also underscores the profound impact of collaboration in driving positive change and enhancing our university's reputation as a collaborative leader in academia and beyond.

    This award will be bestowed upon an employee from AAF: Student Success, AAF: Data Strategy, ESE: Enrollment Services, ESE: Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Education who meets the following criteria:  

    • Employment duration of one year or more at the University.  
    • No disciplinary incidents within the previous twelve months. 
    • Received an overall evaluation rating of either "Superior" or "Exemplary" (a rating of 4 or 5) from their manager. 

    Additionally, the preferred candidate should exhibit the following qualities:  

    • Demonstrates a strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect.  
    • Exhibits exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, adept at facilitating dialogue and consensus-building among multidisciplinary teams.  
    • Shows a commitment to inclusivity and equity, actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives to ensure all voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.  
    • Displays a track record of successfully navigating complex collaborations and partnerships, adeptly managing competing priorities and interests to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.  
    • Champions a culture of knowledge-sharing and information exchange, recognizing the value of collaboration in driving innovation and advancing organizational goals. 

    In addition to completing the nomination form, please include at least one letter of support.

    Recommendations for Letters of Support:

    • Letter of support from either a coworker, past or present supervisor, student, internal or external stakeholder, faculty member, or staff in an outside department.
      • If you are not the nominee's direct supervisor, providing a letter from their direct supervisor is encouraged.  

    Letters of support must provide evidence the candidate meets or exceeds the above qualifications.

    The recipient will be recognized by the Vice Provost at the annual meeting and will receive a plaque and $100.00 added to their paycheck.  

    *Incentive payments will be processed through payroll. Payments are included and taxed as salary in the pay period issued.

  • The Ambassador Owl Award recognizes individuals who embody and amplify the values, culture, and brand of our unit with exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. Named after the symbol of wisdom and guidance, this esteemed accolade celebrates employees who serve as exemplary ambassadors, both internally and externally, promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Recipients of The Ambassador Owl Award demonstrate outstanding communication skills, professionalism, and a deep commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Through their actions and interactions, they uphold the reputation and integrity of our unit, leaving a lasting impression on all those they encounter. This award not only acknowledges their contributions to our unit's brand but also celebrates their role in cultivating a culture of excellence, collaboration, and mutual respect. 

    This award will be bestowed upon an employee from AAF: Student Success, AAF: Data Strategy, ESE: Enrollment Services, ESE: Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Education who meets the following criteria:  

    • Employment duration of one year or more at the University.  
    • No disciplinary incidents within the previous twelve months.  
    • Received an overall evaluation rating of either "Superior" or "Exemplary" (a rating of 4 or 5) from their manager.  

    Additionally, the preferred candidate should exhibit the following qualities:  

    • Exhibits exceptional interpersonal skills, adept at building rapport and establishing meaningful connections with a diverse range of stakeholders, both within and outside the organization.  
    • Demonstrates a proactive approach to representing the unit's values and brand, consistently seeking out opportunities to engage with and promote the organization to various audiences.  
    • Shows a commitment to continuous self-improvement and professional development, staying abreast of industry trends and best practices to effectively communicate the unit's mission and goals.  
    • Displays a strong sense of adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic environments and effectively navigating challenges with grace and poise.  
    • Actively promotes an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the unit's success. 

    In addition to completing the nomination form, please include at least one letter of support.  

    Recommendations for Letters of Support:  

    • Letter of support from either a coworker, past or present supervisor, student, internal or external stakeholder, faculty member, or staff in an outside department.
      • If you are not the nominee's direct supervisor, providing a letter from their direct supervisor is encouraged.  

    Letters of support must provide evidence the candidate meets or exceeds the above qualifications.

    The recipient will be recognized by the Vice Provost at the annual meeting and will receive a plaque and $100.00 added to their paycheck.  

    *Incentive payments will be processed through payroll. Payments are included and taxed as salary in the pay period issued.

  • The Owlet Award is a special recognition for new employees who have been with the department for less than one year and have already made a significant impact. This award highlights individuals who, despite their short tenure, have contributed greatly to our mission of excellence and innovation at Kennesaw State University. Named after the symbol of wisdom and growth, the Owlet Award honors those whose fresh perspectives and initiatives have positively transformed our institution. These individuals embody the spirit of visionary leadership, dedication, and determination, inspiring positive change and laying the groundwork for future success. Recipients of the Owlet Award have demonstrated remarkable commitment and innovation, playing a crucial role in driving KSU toward its goals. Their contributions are not only outstanding but also serve as a testament to their profound influence on advancing the university’s mission and vision.

    This award will be bestowed upon an employee from AAF: Student Success, AAF: Data Strategy, ESE: Enrollment Services, ESE: Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Education who meets the following criteria:  

    • Employment duration of less than one year in the department.  
    • No disciplinary incidents  

    Additionally, the preferred candidate should exhibit the following qualities:  

    • Demonstrates a visionary approach to problem-solving, consistently seeking out opportunities to innovate and push the boundaries of conventional thinking.  
    • Exhibits strong strategic thinking skills, capable of developing and executing initiatives that align with the university's long-term goals and priorities.  
    • Shows a commitment to fostering collaboration and teamwork, leveraging the collective expertise and talents of diverse stakeholders to achieve ambitious objectives.  
    • Displays resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, navigating obstacles with determination and maintaining a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes.  
    • Champions a culture of accountability and transparency, holding themselves and others to high standards of performance and integrity in all endeavors.

    In addition to completing the nomination form, please include at least one letter of support.  

    Recommendations for Letters of Support:  

    • Letter of support from either a coworker, past or present supervisor, student, internal or external stakeholder, faculty member, or staff in an outside department.
      • If you are not the nominee's direct supervisor, providing a letter from their direct supervisor is encouraged.  

    Letters of support must provide evidence the candidate meets or exceeds the above qualifications. 

    The recipient will be recognized by the Vice Provost at the annual meeting and will receive a plaque and $100.00 added to their paycheck.  

    *Incentive payments will be processed through payroll. Payments are included and taxed as salary in the pay period issued.