The Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence celebrates the outstanding contributions of University of Michigan staff members who exemplify the values of excellence, generosity, and compassion. The annual award was established in memory of Johnson, a dedicated, longtime staff member in the Office of the Provost. Honorees receive $1,500 and a recognition plaque, presented at a group reception.
The award recognizes staff members who:
- Exemplify excellence: Perform their duties with exceptional quality, innovation, and dedication, inspiring those around them.
- Demonstrate generosity: Offer support, time, attention, and respect beyond expectations, fostering a nurturing and collaborative work environment.
- Practice compassion: Approach others with kindness, empathy, and a deep respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- View past recipients of the award
Eligibility
All regular staff members from the Ann Arbor campus and Michigan Medicine are eligible. Faculty members are not eligible. Nominations can be made by colleagues, supervisors, or a combination of both.
Submitting a Nomination
Please note that starting in 2026-27, the nomination portal is hosted in the U-M InfoReady platform. You will be prompted to create an InfoReady account while submitting your nomination if you do not already have one.
- Gather examples that illustrate the nominee’s commitment to excellence, generosity, and compassion.
- Submit the form before 5 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026.
Complete the online nomination form here →
Your Responses
Please respond to the three criteria of excellence, generosity, and compassion. Responses should provide compelling, clear, and concise evidence for the committee to consider.
- Minimum Word Count: Your response for each criterion must be at least 75 words in length to ensure sufficient detail and examples are included to support the nomination.
- Maximum Word Count: Please do not exceed 250 words for each criterion. This helps maintain focus and allows the review committee to evaluate submissions effectively.
- Supporting Documents: Please combine supporting documents into one file. Up to two 1-page letters of support may be submitted as part of your nomination materials. Each letter may be signed by multiple people.
- Nominations that exceed word and page limits may not advance to the committee for review.
- Before submitting, you may find it useful to draft your responses in a document to check the word count. Remember to proofread your submission for clarity and conciseness.
Thank you! By nominating an exemplary staff member, you contribute to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary people who make our university community thrive.
Spotlighting a Wide Range of Staff Impact
The recipients of the award represent a diverse array of roles within the University of Michigan, embodying the award’s core values of excellence, generosity, and compassion. Past winners have included individuals from various departments and levels, such as administrative assistants who ensure smooth day-to-day operations, financial specialists who manage complex budgets, and logistics coordinators who handle critical operational tasks. Technical support staff have been honored for their unwavering dedication in maintaining essential systems, while program coordinators were recognized for developing innovative student programs.
Additionally, healthcare professionals who provide exceptional care, human resources officers who guide employees with empathy, and research administrators who support groundbreaking research have all been celebrated. This wide range of roles underscores the inclusivity of the award and the diverse ways in which staff contribute significantly to the university’s vibrant community.
Help Spread the Word
Print, share, or post this PDF flyer to promote awareness and encourage nominations in your U-M area or network.
Questions?
Please email questions to the award administrative team.
2025-26 Award Winners and Finalists
Staff members from the School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and the Museum of Paleontology in LSA are the most recent recipients of the Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence. Read more about the them in the University Record.
Award Winners
Jenna Blumenauer, M.Ed.
Graduate Student Academic Advisor Senior; School of Nursing, Office of Professional Graduate Programs
Phoebe Kulik, MPH, CHES
Senior Director Workforce Development; Epidemiology and Dean’s Office, School of Public Health
Adam Rountrey, PhD
Research Museum Collection Manager; Museum of Paleontology
Award Finalists
Joanna Kovacevich
Instructional Technology Consultant; Instructional Services, School of Public Health
Kristin McDonough
Director of Student Affairs; Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
About the Award Criteria
Excellence
The recipient performs their job duties with unwavering dedication and superlative quality. Additionally, they may inspire and/or lead those around them, create new systems or processes, and make the university a more innovative and resilient enterprise.
Generosity
The recipient is animated by a giving spirit. They offer others opportunities, support, time, attention, and respect, often in greater measure than expected. They model strong teamwork, both when leading a team and when serving as a member.
Compassion
The recipient chooses to see the best in others and meet them with grace, kindness, and empathy. When others fall short, this person seeks to understand and support rather than pass judgment. When others are struggling, this person seeks to help. The recipient can see the humanity and value in people from all backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.
Remembering Candace J. Johnson
Candy Johnson began her career at the University of Michigan in the Department of Internal Medicine in 1972. In 1989, she accepted the position of secretary to the provost and continued working in the provost’s office until her untimely death in 2003. She touched many lives throughout the university community during her 32 years of service.
Candy is remembered for her positive outlook, caring attitude, strong work ethic, and for inspiring those around her to do their best. She generously shared her knowledge with her co-workers and was valued as a colleague and mentor. Candy had a ready smile, a personal interest in the lives of colleagues and their families, and a willingness to help everyone.
“Candy Johnson made everyone around her feel like they had a friend, and made everyone’s work easier and more enjoyable. We count ourselves lucky to have known her,” said Paul N. Courant, former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs who worked closely with Candy.
With help from her many friends and coworkers, the provost’s office established the Candace J. Johnson Award to honor and remember their colleague. The first awards were presented in 2004. Since then 17 staff members have been recognized in this way. The continuation of the award is a testament to the enduring importance of the qualities Candy Johnson brought to her work.
“We are grateful for the many ways in which staff members throughout the university contribute to the success of our students, faculty, and patients,” Provost Laurie McCauley said. “I am pleased that we can recognize their commitment to excellence and honor Candy Johnson’s legacy with an award that bears her name.”
The Office of the Provost invites nominations of individuals who exemplify these qualities for the Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence. All regular staff members of the Ann Arbor Campus and Michigan Medicine are eligible. Individuals selected for the award receive a monetary award and a certificate of recognition from the Office of the Provost.