Mississippi State’s Staff Council is seeking nominations of outstanding employees for the annual Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards through 11:59 p.m. April 1.

Twelve selected honorees will be announced at the annual Junction luncheon, scheduled for 11 a.m. May 17. They will receive a plaque of recognition along with a $1,000 check from MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

The honors are a memorial to the university’s 15th president Donald W. Zacharias.

To be eligible for the award, nominees must be classified as a professional or support staff employee, be in good standing, work at least half-time, have a minimum of three years of service and have never been a recipient of the award.

Other eligibility requirements for nominees include:

—Exemplifying professionalism and dedication to MSU by performing beyond the call of duty to improve service, quality and image of the department/unit.

—Serving as a positive role model for other faculty, staff and/or students.

—Demonstrating outstanding accomplishments of significance based on initiative, cooperation and ability to perform a job successfully.

—Demonstrating a high degree of competence and expertise.

—Working beyond the boundaries of the job by participating in university or community service projects.

Nomination can be made by visiting https://www.staffcouncil.msstate.edu/zacharias/nominate. Three letters of support are required beyond the nomination form. It is recommended that the nominees' supervisor and a co-worker be two of the letters. Please do not provide more than three letters, as they will not be considered.

For more information, visit www.staffcouncil.msstate.edu/zacharias-awards.