Staff Council, the representative body of the staff of Millsaps College, was established to promote cooperation and communication among the College President and members of the Cabinet, faculty, students, departments and staff of this College.

Staff Council represents all staff employees at Millsaps and serves three other primary purposes: to act as a vehicle for effective communication between staff and the president and members of the Cabinet, to foster interaction and mutual support between the President and staff members, and to enhance awareness and to promote active involvement in matters of policy and action that affect staff.

These awards recognize staff members and departments for their outstanding service in and outside the Millsaps community. The nominees are those individuals who reflect the true spirit of customer service, innovation, and commitment as demonstrated by going above and beyond what is expected.

The awards are named and given in honor of Harrylyn G. Sallis, the founding director of the Millsaps Master of Liberal Studies program. Sallis is also founding director of the Millsaps Leadership Seminars in the Humanities and founding director of the Millsaps Adult Degree Program, and exemplifies the ideals the awards are intended to recognize.

Members of the Millsaps community may nominate one staff department and one individual staff employee who best exemplifies excellence in service. Awards are typically presented at the annual Staff Holiday Party in December.