The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Employee Excellence Awards are sponsored by Staff Council. Employees are awarded in three categories which hold equal weight – Leadership, Engagement, and Impact. The category in which the nominee is honored is defined below and will be selected by committee vote.
Islander Leadership
This Staff Council award recognizes a University staff member whose actions, deeds, service, and work ethic embodies the University’s mission and whose contributions makes the University, and the Coastal Bend, a better place.
Islander Engagement
This Staff Council award recognizes a University staff member who celebrates, promotes and embraces community and belonging, stresses collaboration and engagement, and is committed to creating an Island for everyone.
Islander Impact
This Staff Council award recognizes a University staff member who impacts the success of the University through the development, or expansion, of creative programs, services, and initiatives that contribute to the University’s mission and/or the betterment of the Coastal Bend.
Eligibility & Awards
Nominee must be a staff member.
Faculty, staff and students are eligible to nominate, but an employee may not self-nominate.
The nominee must have a performance review ranking of Exceeds Expectations within the most-recent review cycle.
Nominee must be an above-average performer as documented on an official performance evaluation within the most-recent evaluation cycle.
Nominee must have been employed on or before September 1, 2024. (Prior work as a student employee or a temporary worker will not be considered employment for this requirement.)
Nominee must be a regular budgeted employee working 20 hours a week or more.
Employees at Director level and higher are not eligible.
Previous winners are not eligible to be nominated unless it has been 5 years since receiving the award.
Conflicts of Interest
Current judges, and committee members, should abstain from submitting nominations.
Any committee member nominated should recuse themselves from the award process.
The winner in each of the three categories, Leadership, Engagement, and Impact, will receive $1,000.
Congratulations to the 2024 - 2025 Employee Excellence Award Recipients
Islander Leadership - Kenny Roberts, Client Technologies Analyst III
"Kenny Roberts has been pivotal to the Autonomy Research Institute's success, contributing to 184 successful field operation days and significantly improving operational performance by designing and implementing a comprehensive digital tracking system. He spearheaded the launch of ARI’s new Operations Center and diligently manages the Institute's IT enterprise. Beyond his operational and technical expertise, Kenny is a dedicated mentor, guiding students and staff. Exemplifying reliability, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach, he consistently exceeds expectations, proactively addresses needs, and is an indispensable member of ARI, enabling seamless operations and embodying the core values of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi."
Islander Engagement - Maricela Alexander, Administrative Coordinator I
"Maricela Alexander is an exceptional administrative professional known for her problem-solving skills, compassion, consistent support of faculty, staff, administration, and students. Her daily contributions include facilitating smooth transitions for new colleagues, resolving complex issues, and fostering collaboration throughout the University. Beyond routine tasks, she demonstrates extraordinary initiative, notably spearheading the creation of a university lactation room for new mothers, managing all aspects from proposal to maintenance. Her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable asset to the university community."
"Nora Gnabasik has significantly strengthened the Islander network and community engagement through innovative initiatives like Alumni Pickleball, the Alumni Basketball Tournament, and Alumni Night in the Career Corner, reconnecting local graduates with the university. Her dedication extends beyond her role as she consistently seeks creative partnerships and solutions to bridge the gap between alumni, the university, and the Coastal Bend. Remarkably balancing her professional responsibilities with full-time studies in the Professional Counseling program, Nora embodies the Islander spirit through her impact, innovation, and unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving university community."