Do you know a University of Colorado leader who has participated in the Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) [3]? Consider recognizing the leadership and contributions of an ELP alumnus by submitting a nomination for the Excellence in Leadership Award [4].   

All ELP alumni currently working at the University of Colorado are eligible to be nominated through Nov. 25. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Two awards will be presented: one to an eligible faculty member and one to an eligible staff member. 

We’ve had many outstanding nominees over the years. If someone you nominated previously continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact, we encourage you to nominate them again. 

About the award 

Nominees must be alumni of the ELP program [5] who display excellence in the following areas: 

1. Exceptional Leadership: Demonstrates exceptional leadership by thoughtfully strategizing, motivating teams and achieving measurable results while consistently aligning actions with the University of Colorado's mission, guiding principles and vision. Effectively manages resources and stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and advance strategic goals. Additionally, their leadership creates an environment where CU community members have a sense of belonging, feel valued and are empowered to meaningfully contribute to CU's mission. 
2. Impactful Contributions: Leads projects, programs or research endeavors that have significant and measurable impacts on the University of Colorado as a whole and/or their respective campus community, evidenced by quantifiable metrics and recognition. 
3. Community Engagement: Actively participates in initiatives, activities or partnerships that contribute to positive community outcomes and strengthen the University of Colorado system and/or their respective campus’ mission and reputation. 

Past winners 

The Excellence in Leadership Award has honored exceptional leaders in the CU community since 2009. Most recently, the award was given to Professor Natalie Serkova of CU Anschutz and Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Stephanie Hanenberg of UCCS [6]. Prior to that, winners include Colorado School of Public Health Dean Cathy Bradley [7], Distinguished Professor Ruth Ellen Kocher of CU Boulder [8] and former Leads School of Business Dean Sharon Matusik [9]. 

See a complete list of winners on the Excellence in Leadership Luncheon webpage [10].  

The award recipients will be recognized at the Excellence in Leadership Luncheon on April 2, 2027. 

Nominate a leader today 

• Visit the ELP nomination page [4] to access the nomination form, instructions, criteria and a list of eligible alumni.  
• Nominations will be accepted from any University of Colorado employee who has worked or is working with the nominee. 
• The deadline for submitting a nomination is 5 p.m. MT Wednesday, Nov. 25.  

If you have questions, please contact elp@cu.edu [11].