The Dr. Herman P. Wilson Distinguished Faculty-Staff Award honors a faculty or staff member at Truman State University who exemplifies the exceptional qualities demonstrated by Dr. Wilson in his interactions with students, colleagues, and friends. The award includes a cash honorarium of $1,500.
Truman State University welcomes nominations by colleagues, students, and alumni through the Nomination Form process.
Nomination Form
Selection of Recipient: The recipient of the Dr. Herman P. Wilson Distinguished Faculty-Staff Award will be selected based on their embodiment of the following exemplary characteristics:
- Respect and Unconditional Acceptance: The award honors an individual who consistently embraces all members of the university community with kindness and understanding, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Valuing Uniqueness: We seek a recipient who recognizes and appreciates the distinct qualities of each person, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to honoring diversity in all its forms, regardless of capacity.
- Challenge and Nurture: The ideal candidate will be someone who challenges individuals to reach their full potential while providing the necessary support and guidance to foster personal and professional growth.
- Fostering Self-Worth: The University will recognize an individual who plays a vital role in helping others discover their inherent value and potential, encouraging them to embrace their strengths and pursue their aspirations.
The selection committee will evaluate nominations based on these criteria, ensuring that the chosen recipient truly reflects the spirit and legacy of Dr. Wilson in their daily interactions and contributions to the Truman State University community.
Each year, the University will recognize the recipient at its Opening Assembly, celebrating their contributions and commitment to the university community.
About Dr. Herman P. Wilson:
Herman P. Wilson, affectionately known as “Herman,” was born on September 29, 1924, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, including deployment in Europe during World War II, and again during the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1951.
After his military service, Herman attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, graduating with degrees in English, German, and Music. He then pursued advanced studies at the University of Tennessee, earning both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in English. With a deep passion for teaching, Herman began his academic career at Carson-Newman College in 1956, later becoming the head of the English Department at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, from 1957 to 1966. In 1968, he joined Truman State University, where he served as a Professor of English for 22 impactful years.
Herman’s students at Truman State University admired him not only as an excellent and demanding instructor but also as an encouraging and compassionate mentor. He treated every student with respect, inspiring them to reach heights they often thought were unattainable—this was his greatest gift to them.
Following his retirement in 1990, Herman relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where he continued to pursue his passions for the arts, literature, and opera. He dedicated many years to volunteering at the Unicorn Theater, reading and evaluating scripts and nurturing the careers of aspiring playwrights.
Herman is fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As he would often say, “Cheers!”