Each year, Durham Tech recognizes outstanding employee performance by presenting excellence awards in three categories: Community Engagement, Support Services, and Teaching. The College awards one full-time employee and one part-time employee in each category. 

In general, all employees in good standing, regardless of employment type or role, are eligible for award consideration. 

Excellence in Community Engagement Award

The Excellence in Community Engagement award recognizes employees who demonstrate exemplary leadership and dedication to serving Durham Tech and the broader community while performing their duties in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals and priorities

The award recipients will be employees who are extraordinarily dedicated to improving our communities through service contributions. The awards may be in recognition of individual service or for the promotion of service at the College.

Excellence in Support Services Award

The Excellence in Support Services award recognizes staff/non-faculty employees who demonstrate exemplary leadership and dedication to serving the College community while performing their duties in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals and priorities

The award recipients will be employees who are consistently excellent in fulfilling the responsibilities of their positions while engaging collaboratively and thoughtfully with students and colleagues. The recipients will be customer-focused lifelong learners who provide leadership far beyond the stated functions and duties of their roles. The recipients will be proactive innovators willing to share their time and expertise to advance students, colleagues, and the College as a whole. 

Excellence in Teaching Award

The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exemplary leadership and dedication to serving the College community while performing their duties in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals and priorities

The award recipients will be faculty members who consistently demonstrate excellence in teaching and exemplary dedication to the College and their discipline. The recipients will be student-centered educators who engage with students in a manner that focuses on their development as whole persons and strives to eliminate any barriers to successful completion of course, program, and College requirements. The recipients will be innovative lifelong learners who provide leadership beyond the classroom.