Thomas W. Ross Sr. Visionary Leader Award

About the award

The University of North Carolina Thomas W. Ross Sr. Visionary Leader Award was created in 2015 to celebrate a member of the UNC Staff Assembly who has proven to be an exemplary leader and one who inspires a shared vision on their campus and throughout the whole of the UNC Staff Assembly. This individual’s accomplishments are consistent with the leadership characteristics exemplified by Thomas W. Ross Sr. during his tenure as UNC System President. President Ross modeled the way for others to follow; inspired shared visions of success for students, staff and faculty within the UNC System; challenged, managed and overcame processes and difficult budgetary situations. By encouraging others to act and allowing them the freedom to do so, President Ross showcased his heartfelt support of the campus communities as well as those who worked closely with him at UNC General Administration.

This award is presented annually in recognition of a UNC Staff Assembly delegate who embodies these characteristics, exhibits outstanding leadership on their campus, and demonstrates leadership and engagement in the UNC Staff Assembly.

Public Service and Leadership in the University of North Carolina

“The UNC Board of Governors has a fundamental duty to establish the University’s strategic directions, articulate an overall vision for the UNC System, and oversee the alignment of this vision with institutional resources, investments, and results. The President is responsible for pursuing these goals in concert with our Chancellors, faculty, staff, and students; the University’s affiliate organizations; and the UNC Health Care System.”

Message from President Thomas W. Ross and UNC Board of Governors Chair Peter Hans “Our Time, Our Future: The UNC Compact with North Carolina, Strategic Directions 2013-15”

Selection Criteria

The creativity and leadership impact of a nominee’s achievements are of a magnitude that greatly exceeds the normal accomplishments of Staff Assembly colleagues. The nominee must exhibit sustained, distinguished and superb leadership achievement by:

• modeling the way,
• inspiring a shared vision,
• challenging the process, and
• encouraging the hearts of students, staff, faculty and other constituencies on their individual campus, as well as within the UNC Staff Assembly.