Skip to Main content

Chancellor’s Colonel Rowan Award for Execution

The Rowan Award is presented annually to an ASU staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in carrying out a major project during the last academic year.

The Rowan Award is based on the story “A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard. It recalls President William McKinley’s need to get an urgent message to Gen. Calixto Garcia, who in 1899 was leading an insurgent force against Spanish troops in Cuba. However, Garcia was deep in the mountains of Cuba and no one was sure of his exact location. So, the president summoned Col. Andrew Rowan, and gave him a sealed pouch and one simple command: “Get that message to Garcia.” Four days later, Rowan reached shore in Cuba, and three weeks later he emerged from the jungle having successfully delivered the message to Garcia. Col. Rowan did not procrastinate, he simply executed the task he was given.

The nominee should demonstrate the following qualities:

  1. Accomplishes an objective quickly and efficiently with minimal oversight
  2. Accepts clearly communicated assignments with minimal instructions
  3. Asks the right questions first so they can seek precise answers
  4. Prepares plans with goals, milestones and deadlines
  5. Is not afraid to ask for resources or help when needed
  6. Reports back and shows work
  7. Under promises and over delivers

Nominate an Employee

View All Chancellor’s Award Recipients


Award Details

Eligibility Criteria:
All full-time employees, excluding members of the Administrative Council and members of the faculty, are eligible to be nominated for the Chancellor’s Award. To be considered for the award, a staff member must have been employed full time (40 hours per week) at ASU for at least one continuous year. Previous award recipients are not eligible to win more than once.

Nomination Process:
The staff senate will publish the nomination procedures in the fall of each calendar year.

Selection Process:
A four-member selection committee will be appointed by the Staff Senate. The selection committee will name two finalists, and from these finalists, the Chancellor will choose the winner.

Award Presentation:
Recipients shall be recognized for their achievements during a ceremony hosted by the Staff Senate. The awards will be publicized in appropriate campus and off-campus media.