This award was named in honor Sharon Milligan who served The University of Findlay for 44 years prior to her retirement in 2011.  She was hired by Dr. Jim Houdeshell to serve as an instructor and coach.  In the late 60’s and 70’s, she was the only coach for all of the women’s sports (which included basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball) while still carrying a full teaching load. Since that time she has participated in multiple activities where she supported and guided students enabling them to be outstanding athletes, healthier human beings and better community citizens. Former and current students respect her teaching and friendship.

The criteria for selection and the procedure for awarding this honor include:

Candidates must demonstrate the following characteristics:
1)      Compassion, concern, and enthusiasm;
2)      Professional and personal integrity;
3)      Dedication and commitment;
4)      Distinction in at least one of the following areas:
        a)  Innovation in teaching;
        b) Scholarly achievement;
        c) Experiential or service learning initiative;
        d) Diversity initiative;
        e) Bringing national or international recognition to UF;
        f) Exemplary service to UF, the COHP, greater Findlay community, or  
           the disciipline; 
5)      Must be a full-time faculty member who has completed at least one (1) year of employment at The University of Findlay.  

Guidelines:
1)      Any faculty member, student, staff member, internal or external professional/community colleague, or alumna may nominate an individual for this award.  A letter of nomination (see instructions below) must be submitted to the Dean, College of Health Professions by October 15 of each year.  All nominees will be notified and must provide the documentation described below to the nominating committee within two (2) weeks of notification:
2)      Candidate documentation (to be submitted by nominator) must include a two (2) page narrative describing how the nominee demonstrates the criteria and indicating particular area(s) of distinction.
3)      Nominee documentation (to be submitted by the nominee) must provide curriculum vita and two (2) letters of support which can come from other faculty colleague, student, and/or community partner.  Each letter of support must be no longer than two (2) pages in length (12 pt. font).  

Selection Committee:
1)      Nominations will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
2)      Selection Committee members are ineligible for this award and may neither nominate nor write in support of a candidate.
3)      Final review of the selection of the award recipient shall be made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  

Announcement and presentation of award criteria:
1)      The recipient will be announced annually at the College of Health Professions faculty meeting in December and will be presented during the UF annual awards dinner held in February of each year.
2)      Said award will be monetary consistent with the University’s Investment and Spending policy as well as an engraved plaque or other tangible recognition in keeping with other similar awards at The University of Findlay.  This plaque will be displayed in the office of the College of Health Professions and expenses for said plaque will be made from the COHP Dean’s budget.
3)      This award shall be made from the COHP Dean’s budget until such time the fund is fully endowed.
4)      If no one is selected to receive the award in any given year, the available award funds shall be added to the corpus of the College of Health Professions Faculty Excellence Award.
5)     At no time will the corpus of the fund be used to support the operation of The University of Findlay.