Staff Merit Award

2025-26 Staff Merit Award recipients Sarah Frey, Cecilia Lopez Cardenas, Kelcy Meek with our Vice President of Student Affairs, John Dalton.

Texas Parents established the Staff Merit Award in 1998 to recognize employees in any department or position in the Division of Student Affairs who contribute every day to a culture of excellence. The award recognizes employees who support student success, strengthen services provided by the Division and inspire fellow staff to make a habit of seeking excellence in their own work. A list of past recipients can be found below.

Nominees must be full-time employees who have worked in the Division of Student Affairs for at least three consecutive years.

The 2025-26 Staff Merit Award Recipients were recognized at the spring Division of Student Affairs Staff Appreciation and Celebration on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Honorees received a plaque and $1,500 award from Texas Parents. 

Meet the 2025-26 Staff Merit Award Recipients:

Click here for a list of Staff Merit Award Recipients, 2025-26 to 1998-99.