Heit earns inaugural North Dakota University System Staff Excellence Award

VALLEY CITY, N.D. - Minot State University's Rick Heit was a recipient of the inaugural University System Staff Excellence Award, a new program initiated by the North Dakota University System (NDUS) in partnership with the North Dakota State Staff Senate (NDSS) this year.

He was one of three NDUS employees recognized during the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) meeting on June 23 for his exceptional service, initiative, leadership, and dedication to his institution.

The NDUS and NDSS created the award to celebrate staff members whose contributions have made significant and lasting positive impacts on higher education in North Dakota.

"Our team members across our institutions do so much to make their campuses the best places they can be for student learning," said NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford. "You can tell that the winners of this first iteration of the University System Staff Excellence Award take so much pride in their work. We want to thank them for all they do and for being such important members of our university system team."

Heit, social media specialist at MSU; Amanda Morse, residence all coordinator, Bismarck State; and Joshua Schroetter, senior technical services manager, Division of Finance & Administration, North Dakota State University, were all recognized at the SBHE meeting.

Each employee was nominated for an award by their peers and received a commemorative plaque during the SBHE meeting. NDSS representatives from various campuses within the NDUS reviewed the completed nominations to determine who would advance to the full NDSS for final consideration. After selecting three award recipients, the NDSS sent the names to the commissioner for final approval.

The committee used several criteria to determine award winners, including the staff members' work in innovation and initiative; collaboration and community building; leadership and influence; and impact and outcomes.

An excerpt from Heit's nomination letter:

Rick's work is characterized by exceptional quality, reliability and care. Colleagues across campus know that when Rick is involved, the final product will be thoughtful, accurate and aligned with the university's mission. While Rick's technical skills are impressive, his commitment to service is what truly sets him apart.