Each spring, we in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment recognize some of the many contributions and achievements of our students, staff, and faculty through a set of awards, described below. Nominations can made by students, staff and faculty.
The SNRE Awards Committee, which is composed of students, staff, and faculty, reviews nominations and determines the recipients. Nominations are generally due in early April, and the award ceremony held in late April. This year's end-of-year celebration will be held on Mon. May 4th 2026 11:00AM - 1:00PM @ ENR2 S107.
Please RSVP to our end-of-year event on or before Friday, April 24th:
Please submit nominations on or before Friday, March 27th:
Note: deadline extensions will not be offered
You can download a nomination form that includes a complete description of each award by clicking on the name of each award below. A list of previous award winners can be found here.
University Friend of SNRE is designed to recognize a current university employee who has made significant contributions to the School. Contributions could include fundraising efforts, advice and guidance, increasing the School?s visibility on campus and in the community.
Community Friend of SNRE is designed to recognize an individual or organization in the community (not a University employee) who has made significant contributions to the School. Contributions could include fundraising efforts, advice and guidance, increasing the School's visibility on campus and in the community.
Community Strengthening Award is designed to recognize individuals who foster welcoming, respectful, and supportive environments on campus and/or within their department. The recipient’s professional and service activities should reflect the School’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues related to equity, access, and community engagement. This includes creating spaces for open and constructive dialogue, encouraging a wide range of perspectives and experiences, supporting the recruitment and retention of a broad employee and/or student population, and contributing to thoughtful policy development that strengthens a culture of respect and belonging.
Outstanding Thesis is awarded to a Masters student who has excelled in all phases of their degree program. This award recognizes both the student's achievement and the advisor's contribution.
Outstanding Dissertation is awarded to a Doctoral student who has excelled in all phases of their degree program. This award recognizes both the student's achievement and the advisor's contribution.
Outstanding Scholarly Achievement by a Student recognizes an outstanding original contribution to the body of scientific knowledge by a current undergraduate or graduate student
Student Leadership recognizes exceptional effort put forth by an undergraduate student or a graduate student in providing leadership to other SNRE students.
Outstanding Scholarly Achievement by a Faculty Member recognizes an outstanding original contribution to the body of scientific knowledge by any faculty affiliated with SNRE.
Outstanding Scholarly Achievement by Research Staff recognizes an outstanding original contribution to the body of scientific knowledge by research staff affiliated with SNRE, including postdocs.
Outstanding Course recognizes a course that is deemed excellent based on being current, comprehensive, challenging, well-taught, and highly regarded by both faculty and students.
Outstanding Faculty Member recognizes an individual faculty member who personifies the ideals of outstanding teaching, advising, research, and service.
Staff Award of Excellence recognizes unusual dedication and outstanding contributions by a classified staff member
Outstanding Student Assistant recognizes the contributions of a student assistants for their contributions and commitment to SNRE.
Public Service and Outreach Award recognizes individuals for outstanding public service through professional contributions that go beyond their university-related responsibilities.
Outstanding Alumnus recognizes the contributions of one of our graduates through professional or civic work.
International Collaboration recognizes outstanding efforts by SNRE faculty, staff or students to foster international collaboration. This award recognizes SNRE members (1) that have made an outstanding contribution to the body of scientific knowledge through collaboration with an International country and (2) who through this collaboration have led to improved resource management strategies or practices in either of the countries.
"Blooper" recognizes a humorous, embarrassing, or ironic occurrence to a member of the School. This is intended as a light-hearted and good-natured award to entertain members of the School at the expense of some unfortunate soul.