The staff sub-committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council reviews nominations for this and recommends the recipient to the dean.  

This year, Kathleen Conery, our dedicated Costume Shop Manager, is the distinguished recipient of this year’s CVPA Staff Recognition Award.

This award recognizes individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to the CVPA, its students, and our collective mission. Kathleen is a shining example of this dedication. The responses from those who voted for her painted a vivid picture of a professional who is a tireless support to our students and production program, and who manages the costume shop with grace, professionalism, and expertise. 

Beyond her technical prowess and tireless work ethic, what stands out in particular about Kathleen is her conduct. She consistently models patient and kind workplace ethics, setting an example for us all. Her quiet yet powerful impact is felt by everyone she interacts with, from our students learning the ropes to our faculty, and of course to our audiences.

Kathleen's contribution extends far beyond the costume shop. It permeates through every performance, every committee she works with, and every student she guides. She embodies the spirit of the CVPA - creative, supportive, professional, and passionately committed to excellence. 

Here’s what Kathleen’s colleagues had to say: 

“Kathleen's contributions to the program cannot be fully captured in this survey. She is one of the most dedicated, considerate, thoughtful, and creative people I know. Her work with the students as an instructor, mentor, leader, and co-creator fulfills everything we envision when we talk about the mission and values of this department and University.” 

“Kathleen routinely goes above and beyond her duties to ensure a high-quality experience for our students and performers. She does this while also being one of the calmest folx in the room, and her administrative prowess is matched only by her artistry. She VERY MUCH deserves this award.”

“Kathleen has been an exceptional mentor and support for student employees and costume designers adding incredibly to the student experience.”

Distinguished Teacher
The Distinguished Teacher Award was established to honor faculty members annually for exemplary commitment to teaching. The James Madison University community strives to encourage excellence in the classroom and continues to make teaching and mentorship a priority.

Madison Scholar
The Madison Scholar is recognized for a record of outstanding scholarship/creative work and its dissemination through publication, exhibition, performance or other means.

Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize a faculty member who provides exceptional professional-related service at the university, local and national levels.

Contact your AUH and AUPAC for nominations which are due to Associate Dean Wren Stevens at stevenwr@jmu.edu by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 29th, 2023.

Call for Nominees for Faculty Awards AY24

Career Recognition Award
In recognition of long-time work for the arts at JMU, school directors may annually recognize one full-time faculty member in their school with a Career Recognition Award. Formal recognition will occur at a university-wide faculty event in the spring semester and the reciepient will recieve a $1,000 honorarium.