Deadline is Feb. 28 to submit Sparks Award nominations

The College of Public Health dean’s office is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D. Award in Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

The award recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding innovation, excellence, collaboration and impact on health promotion, disease prevention and advancement of effective public health.

Former UNMC Chancellor Robert Sparks, M.D., center, with College of Public Health Dean Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., right, and Magda Peck, Sc.D., a past recipient of the Sparks Award. Nominations for the award are now being accepted.

Dr. Robert Sparks, a former chancellor of UNMC, established this award through the University of Nebraska Foundation. Eligible candidates are University of Nebraska faculty members, public health professionals or volunteers who demonstrate excellence, creativity and/or distinguished collaboration in advancing effective approaches to improving public health.

The recipient receives $1,000 cash, recognition at the College of Public Health awards event on April 20, and presents her or his work in public health.

Nominations are due Feb. 28, and should include:

• A completed nomination form with the description of the nominee’s qualifications;
  
• Up to two letters supporting the nomination; and
  
• A current curriculum vita (CV) or resume for the nominee.

These documents will be the primary source of information for selecting the award recipient.

Nomination materials and questions about the award should be directed to Leslie Elliott, Ph.D., interim assistant dean for student affairs in the College of Public Health, at 402-552-7723. Nomination materials can be sent to ZIP 4395.