Member Awards

Early career

• The Emerging Leader Award is presented to professionals who have, early in their AACRAO engagement, made an exceptional or unique contribution to AACRAO that demonstrates promise as a future AACRAO leader. Contributions may include those at the state or regional level and must include those at the national level.

• Eligibility Criteria

  Contributions at the AACRAO national level which demonstrates promise as a future AACRAO leader are required. Contributions at the state or regional level may also be included as supplemental information. The award may be given to up to five recipients annually. The recipients are recommended by the AACRAO Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Members currently on the Board or who have served on the Board of Directors within the past three years are not eligible for this award. (5 points towards Honorary Membership)

Mid-career

• The Thomas A. Bilger Award is presented to a member in recognition of consistent vision, service and/or leadership in AACRAO and with seven or more years of volunteer service.

• Eligibility Criteria

  The award represents a significant contribution to AACRAO in positions such as Task Force Chair, Special Projects Director, Program Coordinator/Director, or member of the Board of Directors. This award is given to honor those who had the foresight to recognize the needs of the profession. The award may be given to more than one person annually. The recipient is recommended by the AACRAO Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Members who have served on the Board of Directors within the past three years are not eligible for this award. (15 points towards Honorary Membership)

• The State & Regional Leader Award recognizes significant contributions, accomplishments, and the exceptional leadership attributes of members within our State & Regional organizations.
• Eligibility Criteria

  Lists of contributions and accomplishments must include those at the State and Regional level that have made an impact on the organization and its members. The individual does not need to be currently active at the national level. This award may be presented to more than one recipient annually but with a limit of one recipient per S&R organization and a maximum of three awards granted annually.

  State & Regional Leader Award Nominees must:

  • Be employed by an AACRAO member institution.
  • Have served in an official capacity for a minimum of five years (consecutive or nonconsecutive) with a State or Regional organization.

Late career and/or retired

• The Janie Barnett Distinguished Service Award recognizes an active or retired AACRAO member for exceptional contributions over an extended period of service to AACRAO at the national level. Formerly known as "The Distinguished Service Award," this award was renamed in 2019 in honor of Janie Barnett, a recently retired AACRAO Associate Executive Director. 
• Eligibility Criteria

  The recipient, or recipients, is recommended by the AACRAO Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Members who have served on the Board of Directors within the past three years are not eligible for the award. (25 points towards honorary membership)

Any stage

• The Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes a current AACRAO member for exceptional commitment and personal investment in the mentorship, guidance, and development of others.
• Eligibility Criteria

  Must include mentorship within AACRAO at the national level and additionally can include mentorship at the regional level, institution level, or in their communities which results in the personal or professional advancement and development of others. The recipient is recommended by the AACRAO Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Members currently on the Board or who have served on the Board within the past three years are not eligible for the award. (15 points towards honorary membership)

• The Award for Excellence in International Education is presented to a member for excellence in the field of international education.
• Eligibility Criteria

  Contributions include, but are not limited to: leadership, publications, contributions to conferences and programs, and special projects. One award is given annually and presented at the Annual Meeting. The recipient is recommended by the AACRAO Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. (15 points towards honorary membership)

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