Trailblazer Awards | Utah Tech University

Overview & History

The Trailblazer Awards have been a valued tradition of student life on campus since the 1950s. This annual, semi-formal ceremony—styled similarly to the Academy Awards—recognizes the best and brightest at the University and is considered among the most prestigious honors offered on campus. Presented at the conclusion of each academic year, the ceremony celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, community members, and business partners who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the institution. Utah Tech University is proud to host this event honoring and celebrating more than a dozen recipients for their outstanding contributions in support of the University.

STUDENT, STAFF, & COMMUNITY AWARDS HISTORY: The ceremony has a long and storied history at Utah Tech University. Originally known as the Rebel Awards, then the Dixie Awards, and finally rebranded as the Trailblazer Awards, its mission has remained unchanged: to recognize and celebrate greatness in the University community. The awards honor exceptional contributions across a variety of categories that have stood the test of time. Planning for the ceremony begins each fall, with a dedicated committee comprising administration, faculty, staff, and students working together to ensure the event’s success. For many years, the ceremony was traditionally held the evening before commencement each spring. However, in 2023, the event became part of the University’s annual D-Week Celebration in April, aligning with the broader campus festivities.

FACULTY AWARDS HISTORY: Founded in 2017 through a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs and Faculty Senate, the Faculty Awards were created to celebrate the people who make our university exceptional. These awards recognize faculty whose dedication to teaching, scholarship, service, and student success shapes not only their disciplines, but the lives of their students and colleagues. Through nominations from faculty and staff and a thoughtful review process by the Faculty Excellence Committee, recipients are selected and honored at an annual ceremony that brings the campus together in celebration. The event also marks key career milestones such as tenure and promotion in rank—reminding us that excellence is both achieved and continually renewed.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER: In 2025, the decision was made to combine the faculty awards with the student, staff, and community awards into one university-wide celebratory event, bringing together all honorees for a unified evening recognizing excellence across the university.

Student Awards

The student awards are presented to students across a myriad of categories who demonstrate success. They are considered to be some of the most prestigious awards for students to earn at Utah Tech University. Nominations open at 8:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will close at 5:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. They can be submitted by members of the campus, as well as from the community. A preliminary screening committee will review the materials, then select five finalists in each category. Those finalists will move on to the final judging committee, where a winner will be selected for each category.

Student Awards Information

Faculty Awards

The Faculty Awards honor faculty who demonstrate a record of exceptional accomplishments in all aspects of University life. The awards recognize and celebrate faculty members who, through their own outstanding achievements, have enriched the University and the community they serve. Nominations open at 8:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will close at 11:59pm on Monday, February 2, 2026. Faculty Award finalists and winners are selected annually by the Faculty Excellence Committee and the Faculty Senate Leadership. The timeline for the nomination and submission process for these awards may differ from other categories.

Faculty Awards Information

Staff Awards

The Staff Awards honor employees who go up and beyond in their role–promoting success of their department, students, and the University, while being exceptional in their dedication and service to all aspects of University life. Nomination open at 8:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will close at 5:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. The nomination process and winner selection is under the direction of the Staff Association, who coordinates the selection of the five finalists and a winner in each of the three staff categories.

Staff Awards Information

Community/General Awards

The Community/General Awards recognize businesses, families, and other individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting Utah Tech students and our mission as they have enriched the University and the community we serve. Nominations open at 8:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will close at 5:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. Finalists and winners are selected annually by a separate committee.