Teams and team building at Cook College/NJAES are important elements in helping the organization achieve specific goals of excellence within the broader context of its land-grant mission. Teams achieve excellence by engaging work groups across functional lines, which can include academic, research, outreach, administrative, support, and/or operational units. This award recognizes a team that achieves a specific, ambitious goal, thereby advancing overall institutional quality and impact. The winner of this award is chosen by the executive dean and program deans.

Sustained Research Excellence

Presented to a Cook College/NJAES faculty member whose research has demonstrated sustained excellence; has achieved national or international recognition; has published in highly visible and prestigious outlets; and has had a major long-term impact on the scientific community, as evidenced by grants or awards.

Research Excellence and Impact

Presented to a Cook College/NJAES faculty member whose research has had significant impact on industry, government, public policy, or the general public.

Please keep in mind that:

• A team is defined as no fewer than three faculty and/or staff representing no fewer than 3 distinct disciplines.
• Members of the team may nominate their own project/program.
• The award is given for the completion of a single project/program that has advanced institutional quality and/or demonstrated impact.

Criteria:

• The nomination should contain clear evidence of strong, successful leadership across departments, units, and/or external relationships to accomplish a specific goal consistent with Cook College/NJAES mission (eg., Integrating teaching, research and outreach to anticipate and respond to issues and challenges in agriculture, food systems, environment and natural resources, and human and community health and development, in order to improve their lives, the lives of others, and the environments on which they depend).


• Key areas of the performance and impact of the team must be documented.


• The entire team must have contributed to the excellence of the project/program. Contributions can include (but are not limited to) discovering or transferring new knowledge or technology; developing new strategies or communication plans; identifying and improving key work processes; or helping team members to develop their full potential to pursue the group’s goal.

Prize Information:

• The winning team will receive $2,000 in support of the professional development of team members or for furthering the work of the team.
• The winning team will be recognized in a commemorative plaque in Martin Hall.