Each year, Mercer Spirit Award winners are announced at the annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremonies on the Macon and Atlanta campuses. This award reaffirms Mercer’s commitment to service by recognizing those employees who have demonstrated the highest level of service to members of the University community, both internal and external, as well as outside constituencies.
The Mercer Spirit Award recognizes those employees who exemplify what it means to “Be the Bear,” offering care, respect, inspiration and encouragement to the Mercer community and beyond. Their accomplishments exceed expectations and reflect the utmost commitment to their profession, as well as to the students and colleagues they serve.
Purpose of the Award
To provide the Mercer community a vehicle to recognize extraordinary contributions of our non-faculty staff employees throughout the university who reflect an exceptional commitment to the university’s mission to teach, to learn, to create, to discover, to inspire, to empower and to serve, as well as to reward specific and distinctive employee behaviors and accomplishments that embody Mercer’s core values.
Who is Eligible to be Nominated
- All regular, non-faculty staff employees at any Mercer location who hold a position below the level of management/administrator.
- Must have at least two (2) years of service to Mercer University as of the date of the ceremony.
- Must not have won a Spirit Award in the previous five (5) years.
Who Can Make a Nomination
- Any member of the University community, including supervisors, co-workers, department/division heads, subordinates, faculty members or students.
- Individuals may not nominate themselves.
- If someone other than the nominated employee’s supervisor is submitting a nomination, the supervisor must be notified of the nomination.
How to Make a Nomination
- Please note nominations are only accepted once a year. An email from HR will go out to the university community 6-8 weeks prior to the ceremonies with a link to the online nomination form along with other instructions.
- Read the eligibility and selection criteria for the award before completing a nomination form.
- Complete the online nomination form (link provided in email from HR each year) and upload any supporting documentation, if needed.
- The number of nominations received for an individual will not impact the selection process.
Selection Criteria
- Commitment to Mercer’s Mission and Core Values
Demonstrates dedication to Mercer University’s mission, values and goals through their daily work and interactions with others.
- Exceptional Service and Going Above & Beyond
Consistently provides exceptional service and willingly exceeds normal job expectations to support students, faculty, staff, and the broader Mercer community. Reflects the highest levels of performance, going above and beyond in all they do.
- Positive Attitude and Professionalism
Models integrity and professionalism while maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach to their work. Treats colleagues, students and visitors with respect and courtesy.
- Collaboration and Accountability
Introduces or champions ideas that improve efficiency, productivity, morale, and outcomes. Works collaboratively across departments and roles, supports colleagues’ success, and serves as a role model to others in their initiative and accountability.
- Impact on the Mercer Community
Makes a meaningful and lasting impact by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, strengthening community connections, and contributing to Mercer’s culture.
Selection Committee
- The Selection Committee is comprised of Mercer faculty and staff with the following exceptions:
- Must not be a nominator of a current nominee.
- Must not be a supervisor or departmental colleague of a current nominee.
- Must not work in the Human Resources department.
Winners
Winners will be announced at the annual Retirement and Recognition ceremonies on the Macon and Atlanta campuses. Each winner will receive an engraved Mercer Spirit Distinguished Performance Award plaque and a $1,000 cash award or gift certificate, or the same amount may be used toward a professional development opportunity.
