ColoradoSPH Annual Awards - 2027

Every year, the Colorado School of Public Health honors outstanding faculty, staff, professional research assistants, students, alumni, and community partners with awards recognizing their work in service of the school and public health. Please see below for a list of awards:

Dean's Special Recognition Award

Awarded at the discretion of the Dean, this award has historically been presented to an individual in recognition of their contributions to establishing and developing the Colorado School of Public Health. In 2021, the scope of the award was broadened to encompass contributions made throughout Colorado, recognizing individuals and organizations for their service to the school and/or extraordinary contributions to advancing public health in the state.

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Provides innovative, effective teaching that connects class curriculum to real-world public health challenges 
• Demonstrates a commitment to mentoring/advising students in ways that foster success and career readiness. 
• Creates a classroom environment where students are uplifted and encouraged to contribute 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging   

Values reflected: Collaboration · Trust · Belonging · Spirit of Possibility · Action & Impact 

Faculty Excellence in Research Award

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Demonstrated record of well-recognized research or creative work  
• Engages in scholarship that provides significant contributions to their profession or discipline  
• Produces research, publications, and/or creative works that contribute to the visibility and impact of ColoradoSPH. 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging 

Values reflected: Centered in Science · Collaboration · Trust · Spirit of Possibility · Action & Impact 

Faculty Excellence in Community-Engaged Practice Award 

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Maintains community partnerships that promote learning, trust, shared decision-making and mutual accountability.  
• Contributions that bridge scholarship and action to address community priorities  
• Demonstrated progress in reducing health disparities and improving health and wellness 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging 

Values reflected: Health for All · Proven in Practice · Connect to Community · Build Partnerships for a Healthier Future 

Staff/PRA Excellence in Community-Engaged Practice Award 

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Demonstrated progress in reducing health disparities and improving health and wellness 
• Maintains community partnerships that promote learning, trust, shared decision-making and mutual accountability. 
• Contributions that bridge scholarship and action to address community priorities 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging 

Values reflected: Health for All · Proven in Practice · Connect to Community · Build Partnerships for a Healthier Future 

Outstanding Professional Research Assistant Award

This award recognizes a professional research assistant (PRA) whose contributions, expertise, and partnership have helped drive progress toward the school's research mission.

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Demonstrates a collaborative approach to coordinating research activities and contributes innovative ideas that improve efficiency and effectiveness.  
• Provides responsive support to faculty, colleagues, and community partners 
• Contributes to mentorship, training, or support provided to students, trainees, or new research staff. 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging 

Values reflected: Centered in Science, Trust · Belonging · Collaboration ·Impact & Action 

Outstanding Staff Award

Nominations should provide evidence of: 

• Contributions that advance operations and support organizational effectiveness. 
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork through consistent support of colleagues and notable achievements to the team's success. 
• Efforts that enhance collaboration across units and departments 
• Exhibits a commitment to building a culture of excellence and belonging 

Values reflected: Connect to Community · Build Partnerships for a Healthier Future · Enable & Uplift Our People to Thrive · Collaboration · Health for All

Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award honors Colorado School of Public Health alumni, as well as graduates of the University of Colorado Department of Preventive Medicine & Biometrics (prior to 2008), whose distinguished careers have made significant contributions to public health and improved the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations.

This award recognizes exceptional achievements across public health research, practice, leadership, advocacy, and the education and mentorship of future public health professionals. Recipients demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing the field of public health, driving meaningful impact, and improving health outcomes at the local, national, or global level.

Nominees should have demonstrated significant national and/or global impact through excellence in several of the following areas:

• Advancement of public health science and research
• Excellence and innovation in public health practice
• Leadership within the public health profession
• Mentorship and support of future public health professionals
• Contributions to public health advocacy, policy, and systems change

Recipients exemplify the mission and values of ColoradoSPH and serve as distinguished leaders whose work has advanced the field of public health and created a meaningful, lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations.

Alumni Award for Rising Star in Public Health Practice

The Alumni Award for Rising Star in Public Health Practice recognizes a recent graduate of the Colorado School of Public Health (within five years of graduation) for their commitment to public health practice and service.

Nominees should demonstrate: 

• Outstanding early-career achievement in public health practice, research, education, policy, administration, or community engagement.
• Emerging leadership and a demonstrated ability to influence, inspire, and advance public health initiatives within their organization, community, or profession.
• Meaningful contributions to improving health outcomes, health equity, and the well-being of individuals, communities, or populations.
• Commitment to public service and the values of public health, including collaboration, inclusion, and community-centered approaches.
• Dedication to professional growth and lifelong learning, with evidence of continued development and engagement in the field.
• Engagement with and support of the Colorado School of Public Health, its students, alumni, programs, or mission.

Recipients exemplify the values and mission of ColoradoSPH through their early-career accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to advancing public health practice. Their work demonstrates significant promise and measurable impact, positioning them as emerging leaders in the field.

Alumni Service Award

The Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni for sustained, exemplary commitment to the Colorado School of Public Health, its student body, and its alumni community.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in several of the following areas: 

• Sustained engagement with the Colorado School of Public Health and its alumni community
• Volunteer leadership and service in support of ColoradoSPH programs, initiatives, and events
• Mentorship and guidance of students, alumni, and emerging public health professionals
• Contributions to alumni engagement, networking, and community-building efforts
• Advocacy and ambassadorship on behalf of ColoradoSPH and the public health profession

Recipients embody the values and mission of ColoradoSPH through their dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected school community. Their contributions have strengthened the institution, supported future generations of public health professionals, and advanced the impact of the ColoradoSPH alumni network.

Submit a Nomination 

ColoradoSPH Employee Recognition Awards

The Employee Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the colleagues whose dedication, expertise, and service make ColoradoSPH a thriving community. We encourage you to take a moment to recognize a deserving colleague or nominate yourself for contributions that model excellence. 

Submit you Employee Award Nominations

Faculty, staff, and PRA awards will be presented at the employee recognition lunch on March 2, 2027. 

ColoradoSPH Alumni Awards

Submit your Alumni Award Nominations 

All award nominations must be submitted by November 16th, 2026.