Community of practice Awards
Overall Community of practice Awards
Overall Community of Practice Awards recognize exemplary leaders, communities, and directorate members. These awards will be announced during the ACPA Awards Ceremony during ACPA25. The Overall Community of Practice Awards are coordinated by Nikki Laird, Coordinator for Communities of Practice. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
The 2025 nomination deadline for OVERALL Community of Practice Awards was 1 October 2024 and the process is now closed. Information on the 2026 nomination process will be released in August 2025.
Program of the Year
The Program of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding and innovative program within the ACPA Communities of Practice that has demonstrated excellence in advancing the field of higher education and student affairs. This prestigious award celebrates initiatives that have made a significant impact on enriching the professional experience of ACPA members. Recipients of this award have successfully created and implemented programs that contribute to the enhancement of the overall mission of ACPA.
Leader of the Year
The Leader of the Year Award honors a directorate member, vice chair, or coordinator within the ACPA Communities of Practice who has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion in advancing the goals and values of ACPA. This award recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to the field of higher education and student affairs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting professional development, and advocating for positive change. Recipients of this award inspire and motivate others through their visionary leadership, innovative strategies, and sustained impact on the ACPA community.
Collaboration of the Year
The Collaboration of the Year Award celebrates exemplary partnerships and collaborations that have significantly enhanced the ACPA Communities of Practice. This award recognizes the successful integration of diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to address complex challenges and promote positive change within higher education. Recipients of this award have demonstrated the power of collaboration by fostering meaningful connections, breaking down silos, and creating synergies that contribute to the overall success and advancement of the ACPA community.
Individual community of practice Awards
Each year, individual communities of practice recognize exemplary leaders, scholars, programs, institutions, and initiatives who contribute to the goals and mission of their respective coalition. The management of each Community of Practice’s awards process is coordinated independently by each Community, so please refer to the awards directorate member (or similar role) in each Community for details on nominations for each award. Please note that awards and award titles and criteria may change from year to year. Again, please refer to each coalition’s awards coordinator for specific information.
Award recipients in these categories are usually announced in individual directorate open business meetings and/or designated receptions.
For questions, please contact [email protected].
Graduate Students and New Professionals Community of Practice
- Outstanding Masters Student
- Outstanding Doctoral Student
- Outstanding New Professional
- Outstanding Mentor to Graduate Students
- Outstanding Mentor to New Professionals
- Outstanding Dedication to Professional Service
- Racial Justice and Decolonization Research Excellence Award
Mid-Level Community of Practice
- Exceptional Mid-Level Professional Award
- Mid-Level Practitioner-Scholar Award
- Outstanding Commitment to the Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization (SIRJD)
- Distinguished Service to the Mid-Level Community of Practice
- Notable Entity Partner Award
- Senior Level Professional Award
- Mid-Level Professional Award
- Innovative Practice: Application of the ACPA Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization
- Award for Excellence in Institutional Change
- “Commission I” Outstanding Contribution Award
- Distinguished Service to the Senior-Level Community of Practice
Past award Recipients
Click the link below to view/download the Awards Ceremony Program Book from past ACPA Annual Conventions!