LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTED AT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
The Leone Leadership Award, the premiere leadership acknowledgment for administrators at Utah State University was presented August 8 at the university’sannual department heads conference. The 2001 recipient is Vice President for University Advancement James A. MacMahon.
The Leone Leadership Award was established in 1986 by the late Dr. Nicholas C. Leone and Mary Katherine Leone. The award endowment was established to recognizeadministrative leadership at Utah State. Rarely is the top administrator, department head or one who functions at the administrative level accorded sufficient recognitionfor his or her endless efforts to organize, motivate, improvise, guide numerous programs and solve the persistent problems of the university administrator, awardguidelines state.
The award recipient receives a plaque incorporating an image of the Steuben Glass work “Excalibur” that is on display in Champ Hall of Old Main.
Vice President MacMahon began his administrative career 16 years ago. He has been in the top echelon of research, teaching and management in a diverse array ofprograms and activities. His most recent successes have come through his work as interim, and now vice president for university advancement.
“His love and commitment to Utah State University has been clearly demonstrated by what the university has achieved these past years in the areas of fundraising anduniversity relations,” his citation notes.
MacMahon began his administrative career in 1985 when he was appointed department head in the Department of Biology. Under his leadership the department wasreorganized and faculty agreed to a limited number of research specialities. In 1989 he was named dean of the College of Science. He quickly developed a sense ofcohesion among faculty and staff and created a college and alumni newsletters.
Previous honors include being name College of Science Teacher of the Year, and has taught three different courses a year. MacMahon continues to be a strong supporterof the university’s research role and he has mentored numerous graduate students, an activity that has continued during his current tenure as vice president. His scholarlyand research activities are noted in a number of professional societies. His efforts to build and maintain relationships with key philanthropic individuals andorganizations have greatly enhanced the College of Science and Utah State University.
Excalibur,” the Stueben piece that represents the award, is a replica of a miniature sterling silver broadsword thrust into a solid block of cut crystal, symbolizing the KingAuthor legend. Each year the recipient’s name is engraved on the plaque attached to the display case.
The Leones’ generosity ensures the leadership award. Additionally, each recipient receives an award that can be used to create or add to an existing scholarship of his orher choice.
The selection committee for the Leone Leadership Award includes Utah State’ s provost, vice president for research, vice president for Extension, a dean and a facultymember.