Every year, UW Tacoma recognizes two staff members for their outstanding contributions to the campus with the UW Tacoma Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
| Year | Recipient | Department/Unit* |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Linda Spence-Noyer | Enrollment Services |
| Angela Zurcher | Administrative Services | |
| 2011 | Tim Bostelle | Library |
| Beth Jeffrey | Institute of Technology | |
| 2010 | Jennifer Burley | Administrative Services |
| Laura Delval | Campus Safety | |
| 2009 | Bridget Mason | Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences |
| Keiji Oka | Computer Services | |
| 2008 | Naarah McDonald | Milgard School of Business |
| Lia Wetzstein | Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences | |
| 2007 | Karin Dalesky | Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences |
| Carolyn Maxson | Teaching & Learning Center | |
| 2006 | Bob Hardie | Student Affairs |
| Laurie McKay | Nursing | |
| 2005 | Kim Davenport | Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences |
| Jessica Roshan | Institute of Technology | |
| 2004 | Tony Myers | Enrollment Services |
| Cathy Thompson | Enrollment Services | |
| 2003 | Lisa Rankin | Enrollment Services |
| Julia Smith | Urban Studies | |
| 2002 | Nan West | Nursing |
| Robert Whitfield | Campus Safety | |
| 2001 | Brian Anderson | Public Relations & Communications |
| Bronwyn Pughe | Teaching & Learning Center | |
| 2000 | Wanda Curtis | Enrollment Services |
| Joe Kapler | Media Services | |
| 1999 | Beckie Etheridge | Media Services |
| Karen Reed | Development | |
| 1998 | Sara Contreras | Education |
| Suzanne Klinger | Library | |
| 1997 | Linda Gilbert | Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences |
| Dannah Madden | Nursing |
*Department or unit the person was working for at the time they received the award.