July 17, 2006

Becker appointed examiner for 2006 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award

LINCOLN, Neb.—Dr. Linda Becker, vice president for Student Services at Union College, has been appointed by William Jeffrey, director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2006 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that an organization in the United States can receive.
        As an examiner, Becker is responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted for the award. The board is composed of approximately 500 leading experts selected from industy, professional and trade organizations, education and health care organizations, and government. This is the second time Becker has served as an examiner. 
        Those selected meet the highest standards of qualification and peer recognition. All members of the board must take part in a preparation course based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and the scoring and evaluation processes for the Baldrige Award.
        Awards may be given annually in each of five categories: Manufacturing, Service, Small Business, Education and Health Care. Awards have been presented to 66 organizations, including the 2005 award recipients: Sunny Fresh Foods, Inc., DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations, Park Place Lexus, Richland College, Jenks Public Schools, Bronson Methodist Hospital.
        Information about the Baldrige National Quality Program can be found at http://www.baldrige.nist.gov.