November 13, 2023 - Gayle E. Hutchinson Award for Excellence Nominations Open Nov. 15

Dear Campus Community,

I’m honored to join the University Foundation Board of Governors to announce nominations will open Wednesday, November 15, for the Gayle E. Hutchinson Award for Excellence—the largest award of its kind in the California State University. This award represents an incredible opportunity for us to both showcase and invest in faculty or staff who are truly visionary and setting the stage for innovation and creativity within their field and higher education. The $100,000 award will be presented biennially to a faculty or staff member to celebrate their vision and talent, advance research, support travel and publication expenses, and further their success.

Nominations must be submitted by January 31. The award is open to any faculty or staff member at Chico State, and a nominee’s achievements must be acknowledged by peers on a national or international scale as impactful, inspiring students to explore, discover and excel. To qualify, they must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Significant contributions to innovative research and/or creative activity as evidenced by activities such as, but not limited to, peer-reviewed research or juried exhibits recognized nationally or internationally, externally funded research, grants or contracts by international, federal, or nongovernment organizations, or invitations to compete in exclusive national or international competitions. 
• A strong and sustained record of notable scholarship, research or innovation, or a notable body of work that aligns with the mission of Chico State and elevates its reputation. 
• An exceptional practice of promoting intellectual and creative development, research productivity, curricular development, and/or pedagogical innovation among campus colleagues that garners national or international attention. 
• Recipient of a prestigious prize such as the Pulitzer, or appointment to a prestigious position such as a member of the Academy of Science. 

Nominations for the award must include a completed nomination form, a narrative summary of the candidate’s qualifying work, documented evidence of national or international recognition, two letters of reference, and the candidate’s CV or resume. Nominations may be submitted via email to Pam Hollis at pchollis@csuchico.edu or in person via the University Advancement Office in Kendall Hall, Room 114. Questions about the nominations or award may also be directed to Pam. 

Named in honor of President Emerita Gayle Hutchinson, this award aims to recognize individuals who exemplify her passion for forward-thinking strategies and innovation in technology and academic research and creative activity. In doing so, it is the goal of the Board of Governors to help recruit and retain exemplary faculty or staff while recognizing those who are advancing the institution by going above and beyond in their contributions to the University and academia.

As a member of the award committee, I’m eager to review applications and learn more about the exemplary work taking place by individuals on this campus every day. Awards will be announced in August 2024.  

Thank you,

Steve Perez