ACPA 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 ACPA27.
The Overall Community of Practice Awards are coordinated by Tyeesha “Tye” Wesley, Coordinator for Communities of Practice, who can be contacted if any questions or clarity is needed (communitiesofpractice@acpa.nche.edu).
For general awards questions, please email recognize@acpa.nche.edu.
The 2027 nomination deadline for the Overall Community of Practice Awards is 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
Excellence in Programming
The Excellence in Programming Award recognizes an ACPA Community of Practice that has demonstrated outstanding and innovative programming throughout the year. This award celebrates the collective efforts of a Community of Practice to develop and implement initiatives that advance the field of higher education and student affairs, enrich the professional experience of ACPA members, and support the overall mission and values of ACPA. The respective Directorate Board demonstrates a sustained commitment to meaningful engagement, professional development, and impactful programming that responds to the needs of the ACPA community.
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 an exemplary partnership between an ACPA Community of Practice and a group, organization, committee, institution, or entity outside of the Communities of Practice area. This award recognizes collaborations that successfully integrate diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to address complex challenges, enhance member engagement, or promote positive change within higher education and student affairs. Recipients demonstrate the power of collaboration by building meaningful connections, expanding the reach and impact of their work, and contributing to the overall mission and advancement of ACPA.
Individual community of practice Awards
Each year, individual Communities of Practice (COPs) recognize exemplary leaders, scholars, programs, institutions, and initiatives who contribute to the goals and mission of their respective coalition. The COP’s awards process is coordinated independently by that Entity, so please refer any award-specific questions to that Entity. Award recipients in these categories are usually announced in each Entity’s open business meetings and/or individual award receptions.
New for 2027, the ACPA Communities of Practice have come together to create a Common Nomination Form; all individual COP award nominations are due by 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
For general awards questions, please email recognize@acpa.nche.edu.
Graduate Students and New Professionals Community of Practice
- Outstanding Master’s Student
- Outstanding Doctoral Student
- Outstanding New Professional
- Outstanding Mentor to Graduate Students
- Outstanding Mentor to New Professionals
- Racial Justice and Decolonization Research Excellence Award
Mid-Level Community of Practice
- Exceptional Mid-Level Professional Award
- Distinguished Service to the Mid-Level Community of Practice
- Mid-Level Practitioner-Scholar Award
- Outstanding Commitment to the Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization (SIRJD)
- Notable Entity Partner Award
- Senior-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