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. Established in memory of Candy Johnson, a dedicated, long-time staff member, this award shines a light on those who make our university a great place to work and grow. Award recipients receive $1500 and a recognition plaque from the Office of the Provost, presented at a personal reception.
2025-26 - Congratulations to THREE winners and two finalists!
Staff members from the School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and the Museum of Paleontology in LSA have been named recipients of the 2025-26 Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence, given in recognition of workplace excellence, generosity and compassion.
Award Winners
- Jenna Blumenauer
Graduate Student Academic Advisor Senior; School of Nursing, Office of Professional Graduate Programs - Phoebe Kulik
Senior Director Workforce Development; Epidemiology and Dean's Office, School of Public Health - Adam Rountrey
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
Read more about the three recipients in the University Record.
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.
2026-27 Nominations
Look for an email announcement in the fall for the next award opportunity.