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Awards & Scholarship opportunities

ASFW+ is proud to recognize faculty and staff who make a meaningful impact through leadership, service, mentorship, and professional excellence. Each year, our awards celebrate individuals whose dedication strengthens our university community, while our professional development scholarship supports members in pursuing continued learning and career growth.

Whether you're nominating an inspiring colleague or applying for a professional development opportunity, we invite you to help us celebrate the people who make a difference across The Ohio State University.

Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award

​The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award provides a sum of up to $500 annually to help pay for the education and training costs for one or more ASFW members wanting to further their career goals and professional development. The award was the inspiration of Ruthmarie Mitsch, ASFW President from 2003 – 2004. In addition to financial support for the recipient's professional development aspirations, the award also includes a plaque and recognition. Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University.

Applications will be reviewed on impact on personal and career development, need (funding not available through other sources at Ohio State), and cost-effectiveness of use of funds. Demonstration that the award, which is supplied in the form of reimbursements, will be requested/utilized within one calendar year from the date of the selection notification email for costs such as registration, fees or travel to professional conferences, research/professional supplies and equipment, and mentoring activities. Both proof of completion and proof of payment for allowable costs must be submitted with the request for reimbursement. 

Ruthmarie Mitsch Nominations


Mary Ann Williams Women's Leadership  Award

​The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Mary Ann Williams Leadership Award recognizes a university employee who exhibits a special kind of leadership in the spirit of the award's namesake. Mary Ann Williams was the President of ASFW from 1990 – 1991. She instilled in others a sense of confidence to succeed, promoted a greater understanding of others, bridged differences and encouraged co-workers and friends to collaborate and cooperate. The recipient of this award will be comparable in their actions to Mary Ann Williams. The award includes a plaque, a $500 honorarium and recognition.

Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University. Nominees will be reviewed on their dedication to: encouraging a climate for success, appreciating diverse perspectives and celebrating differences, finding common ground, supporting others through mentoring, advising and/or advocacy, and increasing awareness and sensitivity toward others.

Mary Ann Williams Nominations


Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award

The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award recognizes a university employee who impacts the community through dedicated service. Dr. Patty was a member of the ASFW Executive Board from 2012-2015. Her life motto was “service is our rent for living” and she lived by that each and every day by giving back to her community and advocating through work, personal commitments, and encouraging and engaging others to also make a difference in their own way. Dr. Patty’s impact on the university and the community was immeasurable and inspirational. The recipient of this award will also exhibit an undeniable commitment to giving back to the community through service. The award includes a plaque, a one-year ASFW membership, and a contribution of $500 to be donated in the awardee’s name to the program or organization of their choice. 

Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University. Nominees will be reviewed on their devotion of time to giving back to the community, impact through service in an organization/in the community, and how they have inspired or engaged others

Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Nominations


SELECTION PROCESS

A committee comprised of ASFW Executive Board Members will review all nominations. The final award recipients and their nominators will be informed about their selection by email.​ Please email asfw@osu.edu if you have any questions about the nomination forms.

Previous Award Winners

Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award

  • 2025 Rachel Kaschner

  • 2024 Dr. Shayne Piasta
  • 2023 Jackiethia Butsch
  • 2022 Dr. Rachel Arpin and Michelle McCoy
  • 2021 Tiffany Quattlebaum
  • 2019 Dr. Shannon Gillespie
  • 2018 Emily Keeler

Mary Ann Williams Women's Leadership Award

  • 2025 Dr. Kathy Lechman

  • ​2024 Nicole Kraft
  • 2023 Alicia Baca
  • 2022 Dr. Tina Pierce
  • ​2021 Sarah Hughes
  • 2019 Stephanie Orr
  • 2018 Kristen Cole (OSUMC)
  • 2023 Alicia Baca
  • 2022 Dr. Tina Pierce
  • ​2021 Sarah Hughes
  • 2019 Stephanie Orr
  • 2018 Kristen Cole (OSUMC)

Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award

  • 2025 Dr. Susan Massick
  • 2024 Dr. Gail Whitelaw
  • 2023 Kelli Trinoskey 
  • 2022 Selena Browning
  • 2019 Erika Mitiska


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Email: asfw@osu.edu

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