Distinguished Academic Staff/Specialist Award
The Distinguished Academic Staff/Specialist Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of those professionals who serve the University in advising, curriculum development, outreach, extension, research, and teaching. Distinguished Academic Staff/Specialist Awards are made to members of the academic staff who are appointed as Academic Specialists or Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Academic Staff (faculty with Extension-supported appointments are not eligible for this award).
Up to four Distinguished Academic Staff/Specialist Awards are given annually. Eligibility for nomination requires a minimum of ten years of continuous MSU employment as an academic specialist or an MSU Extension academic staff member.
Nominations for 2026-27 are due on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.
Additional information may be found below.