AP Awards
In order to recognize the great contributions of Administrative Professionals across campus, the AP Assembly has established three awards that honor select individuals each year.
To recognize the contributions of the Administrative Professional (AP) community, the AP Assembly established an annual Outstanding AP Award, commonly called the AP of the Year. This accolade has been given since 1984. Each year, a selection committee (selection committees are appointed by upper administration representing all divisions, a faculty representative, and a clerical representative) selects one AP who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in their professional role. Oakland University provides a $1,500 stipend that accompanies this honor.
This distinct honor is awarded to an individual that has been at Oakland University for more than six years and has demonstrated achievement through extraordinary effort in support of the university mission and strategic plan, spirit of cooperation, and community and university service.
Award Criteria:
Criteria I: Extraordinary effort in support of the institutional mission and strategic plan
The nominee demonstrates exceptional initiative in completing job responsibilities, or takes on greater responsibility than is required. The nominee conducts professional responsibilities effectively and efficiently, and is in support of the university's mission and strategic plan.
Criteria II: Spirit of cooperation
The nominee's collaborative efforts have resulted in accomplishment of individual, departmental or university goals.
Criteria III: Community and university service
The nominee initiates or participates in non-job related activities within the university and/or external community which enhance the university's image and mission. Such participation may include the AP Assembly/Association, OU Day of Service, professional organizations or volunteer services among many others.
Oakland University’s Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year Award maintains a relatively succinct expectation of potential honorees – simply that they demonstrate outstanding achievement in their professional role. Click here for a full list of past recipients.
2021 Award Winner
Michelle Southward, Director of Advising, Health Sciences
2020 Award Winner
Sara Webb, Senior Director of First Year Success, Oakland University First Year Advising Center
2019 Award Winner
Becky Lewis, Associate Director of Programs and Administration, Oakland University Recreation and Well-Being
2018 Award Winner
Krista Malley, Director of Student Success
2017 Award Winner
Laura Schartman, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
Established in 2018, the recipient of the Rising AP Award is an individual who has worked for the university more than three years and has demonstrated leadership and exceptional work their professional role in the following areas:
- Achievement beyond the call of the individual’s daily tasks and responsibilities that have created a positive impact on the university community (such as participating with AP Assembly/Association, committee work, and/or employee interest group work).
- Consistently demonstrates exceptional work in their current position.
- Displays leadership qualities within their department in addition to other university groups.
Award Criteria:
Criteria I: Extraordinary effort in support of the institutional mission and strategic plan
The nominee demonstrates exceptional initiative in completing job responsibilities, or takes on greater responsibility than is required. The nominee conducts professional responsibilities effectively and efficiently, and is in support of the university's mission and strategic plan.
Criteria II: Spirit of cooperation
The nominee's collaborative efforts have resulted in accomplishment of individual, departmental or university goals.
Criteria III: Community and university service
The nominee initiates or participates in non-job related activities within the university and/or external community which enhance the university's image and mission. Such participation may include the AP Assembly/Association, OU Day of Service, professional organizations or volunteer services among many others.
2021 Award Winner
Melanie Chamberlain, Academic Adviser, School of Education Human Services Advising Office
2020 Award Winner
Nicole Thompson, Administrative Lieutenant, Oakland University Police Department
2019 Award Winner
Kathy Livelsberger, Director of Employer Relations, School of Engineering and Computer Science
2018 Award Winner
Christina Moore, Virtual Faculty Developer, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Established in 2018, the recipient of the New Professional AP Award is an individual who has worked for the university for three years or less and has demonstrated achievement in their professional role in the following areas:
- Achievement beyond the call of the individual’s daily tasks and responsibilities that have created a positive impact on the university community (such as participating with AP Assembly/Association, committee work, and/or employee interest group work).
- Has shown great potential in their position through contribution of unique ideas, collaborative efforts, streamlining processes and overall positive attitude.
- Displays promising leadership qualities, in their day to day responsibilities, either within their department or other university groups.
Award Criteria:
Criteria I: Length of service at Oakland University (must be three (3) years or less).
Criteria II: Achievement beyond the call of the individual’s daily tasks and responsibilities that have created a positive impact on the university community.
Criteria III: Has shown great potential in their position through contribution of unique ideas, collaborative efforts, streamlining processes, etc.
Criteria IV: Displays promising leadership qualities, rising above the call of their day to day responsibilities either within their department or other university groups.
2021 Award Winner
Kelli Dowd, Coordinator for Student Services, Leadership and Engagement, School of Health Sciences
2020 Award Winner
Zachary Zuchowicz, Faculty Development Coordinator, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
2019 Award Winner
Jessie Hurse, Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
2018 Award Winner
Ben Fielder, Director of Philanthropy, University Advancement
