2026 Florida Government Productivity Awards winners announced

Melissa Curry, UF Human Resources Vice President

I am pleased to announce that the University of Florida received two Florida Government Productivity Awards. Jawwad Qureshi, Ph.D., professor in the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology and the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, received an award for the development of Low-Cost Citrus Pest Management Programs. UF’s Facilities Services received an award for developing its energy efficiency initiatives.

The annual Florida Government Productivity Awards recognize state employees who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to creating innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in public service.

This year, ten awards were presented to individuals and teams throughout Florida for their achievements in innovation and productivity improvements. UF’s award winners received a plaque and a cash award in recognition of their dedication and success in creating value for both the state of Florida and the University of Florida. It is an honor to celebrate their accomplishment. The 2026 award winners were recognized at a ceremony in Tallahassee on Sept. 1.

Please join me in congratulating UF’s 2026 Florida Government Productivity Awards winners:

Jawwad Qureshi, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology
UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC)  

University of Florida Facilities Services

For more information about this awards program, visit the UFHR Florida Government Productivity Awards webpage, or contact UF’s agency coordinator, Verlissa Ford, via email at v.ford@ufl.edu or by calling 352-273-0149.

Congratulations to UF’s 2026 award winners!