Dr. Howard J. Shipp, Jr. Inclusive Excellence Award
This award is presented annually to a staff member who exemplifies extraordinary service and outstanding achievements in advancing the culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Oklahoma State University.
History
This award is in honor and recognition of the 34-year legacy of Dr. Howard J. Shipp,
Jr. at OSU. Throughout his OSU career, Dr. Shipp exhibited an unwavering commitment
of service towards advancing the culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the
University. He supported, encouraged, and inspired countless individuals, most notably
several generations of underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized OSU students.
He facilitated the creation of new multicultural offices, including staff positions,
and established innovative opportunities for underrepresented students, especially
African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic/Latinx, and Asian Americans. He earned
a doctorate in Student Personnel and Guidance from OSU. In 2005, Dr. Shipp
retired as the Director of the Multicultural Student Center, now known as the Office
of Multicultural Affairs.
The award is funded by private donors and the Office of the Vice President of Access and Community Impact. Members of the OSU community, including students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to nominate meritorious candidates. The recipient receives a plaque, a one-time $1,500 award, and is recognized at the 2022 Staff Advisory Council Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony.
Eligibility
- Nominees must have five years of continuous service to the Oklahoma State University system, and be a current full-time staff member in good standing.
- Faculty, part-time hourly staff, Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board, or members of the Division of Access and Community Impact are NOT eligible for this award.
- Members of the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board are prohibited from submitting letters of support for award nominees.
Criteria
Leadership: An individual who demonstrates innovative and effective leadership that substantially
enhances the university’s diversity, inclusion, equity, engagement, and trust efforts.
Performance: An individual who reflects and achieves an exceptional level of service, dedication,
compassion, and applied skills advancing OSU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Program: Activities and initiatives that promote awareness and understanding or provide new
knowledge in diversity and inclusion in the United States.
Outreach/Service: Internal or external community engagement activities that promote the professional
and/or academic advancement of diversity and inclusion in the U.S. These efforts could
include activities such as: recruiting and mentoring of staff and students, university
programs, professional development, community-focused workshops, and other related
initiatives.
Application
The application deadline for the 2022 award is Friday, June 17, 2022. Supporting materials outlined below should be forwarded as an electronic file (PDF) to diversity@okstate.edu with the subject line as Inclusive Excellence Staff Award Committee.
- Nominee’s personal statement of commitment to inclusive excellence, including specific contributions to the impact, performance, and awareness of diversity and inclusion at OSU (not to exceed 750 words)
- Resume of the nominee (maximum of five pages)
- Two letters of support (each not to exceed 750 words)
a. One from the nominee’s direct supervisor
b. One from an OSU student, staff, faculty, or alumni - Additional staff materials (optional), i.e. journal article abstract(s), professional report summary (maximum of two pages), news articles, or other relevant materials
NOTE: Supporting materials should be arranged in the order listed above.
The Dr. Howard J. Shipp, Jr. Inclusive Excellence Staff Award Committee will be appointed
by the Vice President of Access and Community Impact or his designee to review applications.
The committee will consist of four OSU Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board members,
a representative from the OSU Foundation, one OSU undergraduate
student, and one OSU graduate student. The finalists recommended by the committee will be forwarded to the Vice President
of Access and Community Impact by Friday, August 26, 2022.
The recipient will be publicly announced and recognized at the 2022 Staff Advisory
Council Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony (schedule to be
determined).
Thank you for your assistance in bringing the Dr. Howard J. Shipp, Jr. Inclusive Excellence
Staff Award to the attention of your OSU staff members. Please email the Division
of Access and Community Impact at diversity@okstate.edu with questions regarding this award.