University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild is being awarded the 2008 Chief Executive Leadership Award for Region V of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Region V includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio.

The council will give Wild the award at the region's annual meeting in Chicago held Dec. 14, according to yesterday's University News Briefs.

Created in 1999, the annual award recognizes leaders who advance their campuses by "establishing positive images of the institutions, increasing their institutions' stature within the community, cultivating private support and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among employees, especially those in the advancement profession."

Colleagues nominated Wild for the award. He said he was not aware of his nomination until he heard a couple of weeks ago that he had won.

"It was a nice surprise," Wild said. "I'm really honored."

Although he is the individual being honored, Wild said the award is really a testament to his coworkers.

"Advancement and related areas are a team sport," Wild said. "I play a role, but I work with great colleagues. They have done excellent work and have set the bar high."