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Why Nominate a Peer for an AACRAO Award?

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These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication, and leadership of professionals in higher education. By nominating a peer, you help ensure deserving individuals are acknowledged for their contributions to the field. These professionals often go above and beyond in their roles towards the success of their institutions. Receiving an award lets them know their efforts and high standard of performance are seen and appreciated.

Being recognized by one’s peers can be highly motivating. It boosts morale and encourages professionals to continue striving for excellence in their work. When a nomination is received, it can reinforce the value of the work and inspire continuing to push boundaries. This encouragement can also lead to a greater sense of pride and fostering a culture of excellence.

Recognizing outstanding achievements highlights innovative and effective practices in the field, which can inspire others to adopt similar practices and improve institutional effectiveness. Unique approaches, programs, and strategies have often led to success, and awarding those who implement them sets a benchmark for what is possible. Sharing these proven concepts with the broader community allows other professionals to learn and adapt them to their own institutional needs, benefiting the profession and ultimately the students.

The nomination process helps foster a strong sense of community within AACRAO by promoting collaboration and mutual respect. This is important in a field that thrives on cooperation and knowledge-sharing. It also reinforces a culture of support, which strengthens relationships and camaraderie within the profession. Building these connections enriches the network, making it easier to address challenges.

Recognizing and celebrating outstanding professionals shines a spotlight on the significant impact and vital role registrars, admissions officers and enrollment managers play in institutional success and student achievement. Public acknowledgment through awards enhances the visibility and prestige of the profession, helping to enhance the profession’s reputation, attract new talent, gain institutional support, and highlight the field’s value.

Nominees and winners often gain opportunities for networking, leadership roles, and professional development. Recognition can validate their expertise and open doors for higher-level positions, expanded responsibilities, and further contributions to the field. This exposure can lead to promotions, career advancements, and new opportunities. Nominations are a great way to help professionals continue to grow in their careers.

Past Winners

  • 2013 Kathleen M. Jones
  • 2012 Christine A. Kerlin
  • 2011 Kathi M. Baucom
  • 2010 Margaret A. Bellon
  • 2009 Mary Koskan
  • 2008 Wayne Sigler
  • 2007 Elizabeth Child
  • 2006 Bruce Marton
  • 2005 Glenn W. Munson
  • 2004 Joe F. Head
  • 2003 J. Tom Stewart
  • 2002 Donald R. Larson
  • 2001 Paul H. Anderson
  • 2000 Jeanenne Rothenberger
  • 1999 Paul Aucoin
  • 1998 David H. Stones
  • 1997 Patrick R. Forte

  • 2025 Lara Medley
  • 2023 Carol Harrison
  • 2023 Michele Sandlin
  • 2022 Brad Myers
  • 2021 Kimra Schipporeit
  • 2018 Dennis Geyer
  • 2018 Dennis Hicks
  • 2017 Jeff von Munkwitz-Smith
  • 2016 Susan Van Voorhis 
  • 2016 Glenn Munson
  • 2015 Betty J. Huff 
  • 2014 William J. Paver 
  • 2013 Robert K. Doolos
  • 2012 Paul Kyle
  • 2011 Kathleen G. Plante
  • 2010 Virginia Johns
  • 2009 Richard D. Skeel
  • 2009 Kathleen M. Jones
  • 2009 Heather C. Smith
  • 2007 Stanley E. Henderson
  • 2007 Louise Lonabocker
  • 2005 James Black 
  • 2004 William R. Haid 
  • 2000 Clifford Gillespie
  • 2000 Christine A. Kerlin 
  • 2000 Ann Fletcher 
  • 1999 Paul Aucoin 
  • 1999 James Christiansen 
  • 1999 John E. Westberry 
  • 1998 Valerie H. Mead 
  • 1998 Jeanenne Rothenberger 
  • 1998 Orville Waltz 
  • 1996 Mary M. Neary 
  • 1994 Sara N. McNabb 
  • 1994 Karlene N. Dickey 
  • 1993 Rebecca R. Dixon 
  • 1992 J. Tom Stewart 
  • 1990 David H. Stones 
  • 1989 Janet H. Doehlert 
  • 1988 Cliff Sjogren 
  • 1988 J. Douglas Conner 
  • 1987 Lance Erickson 
  • 1987 Elbert W. Ockerman 
  • 1983 Stan Berry 
  • 1983 John F. Collins, Jr. 
  • 1982 M. D. Scherer 
  • 1982 Herman F. Plunkett 
  • 1981 Grady Boque 
  • 1981 William Price 
  • 1980 R. Linton Cox 
  • 1979 C. James Quann 
  • 1977 Loyd Oleson 
  • 1976 Hattie Jarmon 
  • 1976 Robert N. Melott 
  • 1975 Hazel E. Benn 
  • 1974 Richard D. Rowray 
  • 1973 E. E. Oliver 
  • 1971 Lee Wilcox 
  • 1971 Clyde Vroman
  • 1970 Albert L. Clary 
  • 1969 Verner R. Ekstrom 
  • 1968 Clifford L. Constance 
  • 1967 Truman Pouncey 
  • 1966 Neil Freeland 
  • 1965 Clyde Vroman 
  • 1964 Nelson M. Parkhurst 
  • 1963 James E. Hitt 
  • 1962 T. E. Kellogg 
  • 1961 L. Joseph Lins
  • 1960 William H. Strain 
  • 1959 Robert E. Mahn

Awarded from 1959 to 2018 as the Distinguished Service Award

*Awarded as Exemplary New Member Award

  • 2012 Kenneth Ender
  • 2012 Maria Moten
  • 2012 Scott Verzyl
  • 2011 Jane Dane
  • 2011 Andrew Kim
  • 2010 Brian Dalton
  • 2010 Deborah Robinson
  • 2009 Jody Gordon
  • 2009 Scot Lingrell

* Awarded as Founders for Leadership Award
^Awarded as Thomas A. Bilger Citation for Service