AASCU Excellence & Innovation Awards
The Excellence & Innovation Awards provide a means to celebrate and share successes, best practices and innovations at AASCU institutions.
Learn more.AASCU Excellence & Innovation Awards are your chance to share the impact of your work with the higher education community.
Award recipients are celebrated at the AASCU Annual Conference, on the AASCU website, across social media and in other media outlets. Presidents/chancellors from recognized campuses are invited to share highlights of your story during a plenary session at the AASCU Annual Conference. Winners receive a monetary contribution to a designated campus fund or an engraved sculpture.
AASCU is not currently accepting applications for the Excellence & Innovation Awards.
Members are encouraged to share Promising Practices on AASCUTellingOurStory.org.
Share your story.
Application information
- There is evidence of executive-level support and engagement in ensuring the success of the initiative
- The initiative is connected to the institutional vision, mission, and strategic agenda and supports institutional transformation
- There is evidence that the initiative has led to significant institutional improvements or innovative programming
- The initiative is grounded in research and incorporates best practices from the field
In addition to these general criteria for the awards overall, each award category specifies additional criteria that award applications must address.
AASCU member institutions (including system offices) that have demonstrated significant and intentional support for an initiative in one or more of the award categories may apply. Support may be demonstrated in the form of sustained effort or as support and backing of a single major initiative.
If an institution has won a category in the past two award cycles, they are ineligible to apply for that award category.
- Ex: an institution that won Leadership Development and Diversity in 2022 cannot apply for an award in that category in 2023 or 2024.
- An institution that wants to apply to Leadership Development and Diversity in 2024 must not have won in that category in 2023 or 2022.
- That institution can apply for award(s) in any other category .
Applications for all award categories are due on or before Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Applications must be completed and submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for the award. Applications will be reviewed by AASCU members as outlined under each category description on this page.
Award recipients will be notified in May 2024.
- A dedicated landing page on AASCU.org showcasing the E&I winners
- A feature in the AASCU Advantage newsletter
- Posts on AASCU’s social media
- A contribution toward the scholarship fund of your choosing or an engraved sculpture presented during AASCU’s 2024 Annual Conference
- An opportunity for the president /chancellor to provide a brief address during a plenary session at AASCU’s 2024 Annual Conference (all awards)
- An opportunity for the initiative leader or official designee to provide a brief address during a plenary session at the 2024 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting (We the People award) or the AASCU 2024 Summer Meeting for Academic and Student Affairs Professionals (Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education, International Education, and Student Success and College Completion Awards)
- A feature in the meeting app for AASCU’s 2024 Annual Conference (all awards)
Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award
The Christa McAuliffe Award has long honored exemplary teacher education programs at AASCU member campuses that can document the success of their graduates in improving P-12 pupil learning outcomes. The award recognizes programs that have been adapted using evidence of P-12 impact in their pre-service and in-service programs.
Applications in this category are reviewed by AASCU’s Committee on Teacher Education, which includes education deans from TECSCU and AACTE.
- The institution must demonstrate sufficient, longitudinal evidence of impact on P-12 learning outcomes, teacher preparedness, equitable outcomes for pre-service or in-service teachers, or diversification of the teacher pipeline through new program design or existing program improvement in pre-service or in-service programs.
- The institution must provide a clear rationale and the evidence used for program design or improvement.
The criteria is designed to ensure that states that have rich data systems do not provide an unfair competitive advantage for their institutions, and that strategies and programs recognized by the award have the broadest possible application.
2024: San José State University (CA)
2022: Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
2021: Sam Houston State University (TX)
2019: California State University Bakersfield
2018: Northwest Missouri State University
2017: The University of Toledo (OH)
2016: Ball State University (IN)
2014: California State University, Fresno
2014: Hunter College, City University of New York
2024 Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award
Diversifying the Teacher Pipeline
San José State University (CA)
San José State University’s Connie L. Lurie College of Education is committed to preparing transformative educators, counselors, therapists, school and community leaders. To address persistent national and regional diversity discrepancies between P-12 students and educators, Lurie College has advanced policies and practices designed to reduce barriers to entry, prioritize culturally sustaining pedagogies, deepen partnerships with community, and center the strengths of students from diverse backgrounds. From changes in admission policies and recruitment efforts, to financial and holistic supports, to intentional collaborations and emancipatory curriculum, Lurie College has successfully designed programs that have substantially increased the diversity of the regional education workforce.
Learn more.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award
This award recognizes member institutions who demonstrate an outstanding commitment and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion on their campus that led to removing barriers, improving student life, creating an engaged environment on campus for all individuals, and acts as a role model in advancing social justice.
Applications in this category are reviewed by AASCU’s Executive Committee.
- The institution should demonstrate impact of initiatives stemming from inclusive behavioral and practical interventions to achieve an inclusive culture by challenging inequalities, barriers and bias in campus-wide administration, academic programs, and daily social activities.
- The institutions should demonstrate the incorporation of DEI values and behaviors in a way that results in a positive impact on organizational campus culture and the lives of students into the future.
- The institution should demonstrate evidence of effectiveness that validates students and employees/faculty’s sense of belonging, and feel they have a voice in their academic life and in achieving student success goals.
2024: San Diego State University (CA)
2023: California State University, San Bernardino
2022: Western Kentucky University
2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award
Center for Inclusive Excellence
San Diego State University (CA)
The Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE) supports the diverse San Diego State University community in building capacity to ensure a culture of inclusive excellence in teaching, learning, scholarship, employment and hiring practices, and all forms of service. Through evidence-based professional learning and targeted community-building, the CIE helps students, staff and faculty build and practice the skills necessary to put our Principles of Community into action and effectively implement many initiatives that integrate equity and diversity into everything we do. This has led to a more diverse workforce, better integration of social justice and inclusive pedagogy across courses and the curriculum, and a greater sense of belonging for all members of the community.
Learn more.International Education Award
The International Education Award recognizes outstanding international programs and documents the success of institutions in infusing internationalization into one or more aspects of the university community, including curriculum, student/faculty exchange, study abroad, faculty professional development, international student recruitment, or community outreach.
Applications in this category are reviewed by the Committee on International Education.
- The institution should advance curriculum development, foster international opportunities, and creatively integrate international students into university life
- The institution should offer innovative programs and services to make study abroad accessible to a broader student population. Special emphasis will be given to specific efforts that led to a strong increase in study abroad participation by under-represented students and study in non-traditional sites
- The institution should demonstrate strategic, comprehensive and sustainable international partnership efforts
2024: Prairie View A&M University (TX)
2023: University of South Carolina Beaufort
2021: Salem State University (MA)
2019: Columbus State University (GA)
2018: Savannah State University (GA)
2017: State University of New York at Oswego
2016: California State University, Fullerton
2016: University of Guam
2015: California State University, Fresno
2015: Northwest Missouri State University
2014: Kennesaw State University (GA)
2014: Cloud State University (MN)
2024 International Education Award
Comprehensive Campus Internationalization: Broadening Global Opportunities and Building Academic Leaders (B-Global) at Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University (TX)
As an HBCU that serves a mostly African American population, Prairie View A&M University is providing our students the tools to compete in a globalized world. PVAMU has made a commitment to internationalization the centerpiece of its 2016-2021 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) based on the theme of “Globalization and Outreach.” The reorganized Office of International Programs (OIP) has taken the lead in creating, implementing, and supporting several academic programs such as the QEP’s B-GLOBAL Program – Broadening Global Learning Opportunities and Building Academic Leaders. The globally enhanced General Education curriculum aims to internationalize successive cohorts of first-year, freshman students, and it includes High Impact Practices (HIP), such as faculty-led study abroad programs.
Learn more.Leadership Development and Diversity Award
The Leadership Development and Diversity Award recognizes exemplary leadership development programs designed to enhance the leadership capacity and diversity of the next generation of higher education leaders. The AASCU Leadership Development and Diversity Award also celebrates AASCU’s role as a first-class leadership development partner for its members.
Applications in this category are reviewed by the Committee on Professional Development.
- The institution must demonstrate that the initiative is a part of an integrated approach designed to identify, develop, and promote diverse high-potential talent throughout the university.
- Diversity must be inherent to the initiative design —that is, the program must build capacity around equity minded leadership.
- The leadership development initiative must be connected to institutional priorities. The initiative must have outcome data as evidence.
2024: Western Carolina University (NC)
2023: Utah Valley University
2022: James Madison University (VA)
2021: Lewis-Clark State College (ID)
2019: Oakland University (MI)
2018: Buffalo State College, State University of New York
2017: Sam Houston State University (TX)
2016: Buffalo State College, State University of New York
2016: Morehead State University, Kentucky
2015: California State University, Long Beach
2015: University of West Georgia
2014: California State University, Fresno
2024 Leadership Development and Diversity Award
Senior Leadership Fellows Program
Western Carolina University (NC)
Western Carolina University’s Senior Leadership Fellows Program is a ‘grow our own’ professional development experience that aims to build a diverse cohort of campus leaders who are ready for the challenges and opportunities of senior leadership roles. Unlike other professional development opportunities, the program specifically develops senior academic and administrative leaders to fill increasingly vacant positions. The program provides applicable advanced content and addresses the significant challenges of recruiting and retaining a diverse array of prepared and competent senior leaders at a rural-serving, regional university. The program is formed around a calendar year-long cohort model with a mandatory, mid-program week-long coach tour that spotlights WCU’s commitment to the region.
Learn more.Stewards of Place Award
AASCU institutions are often recognized and celebrated as stewards of place – the educational, economic and social hubs of the communities we serve. This award recognizes an institution that embraces eight principles: connection to place, reciprocity, symbiosis and synergy, adaptability diversity of approaches, civic engagement, upward mobility and opportunity, and institutional intentionality.
Applications in this category are reviewed by the Stewards of Place Task Force.
- The institution clearly demonstrates how it embraces the eight principles of stewardship of place to ensure institutional and regional sustainability.
- The institution demonstrates how they are navigating important trends in postsecondary education including equity and upward mobility, resources and resilience and regional prosperity and civic health.
- The institution must provide outcome data as evidence.
2024: University of Wisconsin – Stout
2023: Oakland University (MI)
Formerly called the Regional and Economic Development Award
2022: University of West Alabama Division of Economic and Workforce Development
2021: Stockton University (NJ)
2019: State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
2018: University of Memphis (TN)
2017: University of Northern Iowa
2016: Farmingdale State College (NY)
2016: Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
2015: Northern Arizona University
2015: Washington State University Vancouver
2014: Northern Kentucky University
2014: University of Massachusetts, Boston
2024 Stewards of Place Award
UW-Stout’s Cooperative Education & Internship Program
University of Wisconsin – Stout
In 1982 UW-Stout committed to embedding intentional career development through applied experiential learning by implementing a Cooperative Education Program. Beginning with 8 students, the program has now grown to 1000+ students and impacting 750+ companies annually, supporting all undergraduate and graduate programs with a total impact to 27000+ students in its 41 yr. history, including receiving 2 national awards. Exemplifying the university mission, the Cooperative Education & Internship Program is an economic driver for communities across Wisconsin, the Midwest region, the United States and internationally, and provides all students the upward career mobility needed to help them become future leaders, both in their companies and communities.
Learn more.Student Success and College Completion Award
The Student Success and College Completion Award honors institutions that achieve significant improvements in student success and college completion. This award focuses on two specific metrics: year-to-year retention and graduation rates. Special consideration will be given to institutions using the Student Achievement Measure (SAM), which uses National Student Clearinghouse data to measure success.
Applications in this category are reviewed by the Committee on Student Success.
- The institution demonstrates a commitment to student success and equitable student outcomes
- The institution must demonstrate remarkable progress and achievement in student retention and graduation
- Progress must serve as a benchmark for institutional success for similar institutions
2024: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
2023: Georgia College & State University
2022: University of Wisconsin-Parkside
2021: California State University San Marcos
2019: Northwest Missouri State University
2018: California State University, Sacramento
2018: University of Central Oklahoma
2017: California State University, Fresno
2017: University of Central Oklahoma
2016: University of Northern Iowa
2015: Cleveland State University (OH)
2015: Western Kentucky University
2014: California State University, Long Beach
2014: Governors State University (IL)
2024 Student Success and College Completion Award
Cal Poly Scholars
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly Scholars unites scholarship, community engagement, and proactive advising to recruit, retain, and graduate lower-income California-resident students. The program began in 2012 with 14 students, and its early success justified the creation of a new fee on non-resident students (the Cal Poly Opportunity Fee) and an adjustment to an existing fee on all students (the College Based Fee). A majority of these additional fee revenues has gone to Cal Poly Scholars, which has grown dramatically (3,621 total participants to date) and which has continued its success in retaining and graduating participants on par with the student body as a whole, eliminating achievement and graduation gaps. For 2023-2024, there are 989 full-time new Scholars and a total of 2,713 enrolled.
Learn more.Sustainability and Sustainable Development Awards
The Sustainability and Sustainable Development Awards recognize higher education institutions that demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and climate change awareness in their curriculum, on their campuses, or in their communities. The award recognizes colleges and universities implementing innovative sustainability and sustainable development policies, practices, or curricula that seek to engage the campus and broader community in climate and sustainability solutions.
Applications in this category are reviewed by the Committee on Sustainable Development.
- Comprehensive – The institution must demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development efforts through its policies, practices, and/or curriculum
- Innovative – The institution must submit the innovative sustainability effort(s) for a particular project or program for which it wants to be recognized.
2024: Central Washington University
2023: California State University System
2022: University of Washington Bothell
2021: Northern Arizona University
2021: University of Guam
2019: Millersville University (PA)
2019: Southern Oregon University
2018: Grand Valley State University (MI)
2018: State University of New York College at Oneonta
2017: Northwest Missouri State University
2017: State University of New York at Oswego
2016: California State University, Northridge
2016: Stockton University (NJ)
2024 Sustainability and Sustainable Development Award
Climate Change Action Plan
Central Washington University
Central Washington University (CWU), located in Ellensburg, Washington, is committed to fostering high impact practices, sustainability, and authentic community partnerships that are grounded in meaningful relationships. In July 2023, the CWU Board of Trustees adopted CWU’s new Institutional Strategic Plan, which embeds stewardship as a core value for the University. CWU’s institutional goal to develop a comprehensive, campus-wide Climate Change Action Plan (CAP) was achieved in April 2024, which outlines decarbonization strategies across university operations, infrastructure, and academic programs in collaboration with the local community. CWU’s CAP has shaped our strategic approach to implementing climate action strategies and integrating sustainability into university-wide curriculum.
Learn more.We the People Award: Excellence in Civic Learning and Community Engagement
The We The People Award honors institutions that demonstrate a strategic team commitment to prioritizing, institutionalizing and advancing student civic learning and community engagement in regional, state, and/or national communities.
This category merges AASCU’s American Democracy Project’s We the People Civic Engagement Award with the Excellence & Innovation Award for Civic Learning and Community Engagement.
Applications in this category are reviewed by selected AASCU’s American Democracy Project Steering Committee members.
- The institution exhibits sustained and measured progress toward institutionalizing civic learning and community engagement efforts via strategic, comprehensive, and reciprocal metrics.
- The institution demonstrates that commitment to civic learning exists across the curriculum with engaging pedagogies, meaningful student involvement, and campus processes such as rewarding faculty teaching and scholarship for civic purposes.
- The institution exemplifies innovative initiatives that foster student learning and civic skill building and meaningful partnerships with community members and organizations to build more just and equitable communities.
2024: California State University, Los Angeles
2023: Salisbury University (MD)
2022: Sam Houston State University (TX)
In 2023, the Civic Learning and Community Engagement Award was merged with the We the People Award. Previous winners are:
2022: University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
2019: California State University, Fresno
2018: Western Carolina University (NC)
2017: James Madison University (VA)
2017: Stockton University (NJ)
2017: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
2024 WE THE PEOPLE AWARD: EXCELLENCE IN CIVIC LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Prison Graduation Initiative
California State University, Los Angeles
Cal State LA’s Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI) fosters individual and community transformation in California’s prisons through higher education. In 2016, PGI was the first and only BA program to be designated a Second Chance Pell site in California, and it was the first bachelor’s degree program in California to award a BA degree to incarcerated students. Since then, it has become one of the largest bachelor’s prison programs in the country and has institutionalized community engagement into two BA programs in different three prisons, ensuring that all PGI students are required to take at least one community engagement course as part of their roadmap to graduation. This makes our program one of the largest providers of community engaged learning for incarcerated students in the country.
Learn more.Questions about the Excellence & Innovation Awards? Let us know,
2024 applications are closed; check this space in March 2025.
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