The David B. Thorud Leadership Award honors the longtime service of Thorud, who served for a number of years as Dean of the College of Forest Resources and most recently was the acting provost. Annual honors go to one UW faculty member and one staff member (excludes senior administration to the level of Associate Dean, Vice Provost, Vice President, and Vice Chancellor).

Awardees are chosen based on a variety of criteria that demonstrate leadership, including exhibiting—through project work, team work or other service—innovation, the ability to find practical solutions for complex problems, teamwork, and excellent listening skills.

The final candidates are those who are recognized as leaders among their colleagues.

The Thorud Award may be given to a faculty or staff member only once in his/her lifetime.

The award was created with an endowment fund to which the deans unanimously contributed. The University matched those gifts to honor and acknowledge Thorud’s long record of leadership. Each award recipient receives $2,500.

The selection committee is comprised of past award recipients, Dean Emeritus Thorud, Vice President HR, Faculty Senate representative, Board of Deans representative, and Assistant Director Benefits/WorkLife.

Due to a decrease in the endowment supporting the David B. Thorud Leadership Award, no awards will be given in 2010.