The Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member for demonstrated support of college unions and campus community building.

2023 Recipient: Dr. Tricia Shalka, University of Rochester 

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on college activities and college unions around the world; since then, Dr. Tricia Shalka has helped restart the idea of the college union, including researching student trauma and its impact on the experience of a student. She’s also completed research on leadership development and a sense of belonging as integral parts of the “College Union Idea” and is at the top of her field with regard to inclusivity, respect, and affirming identities. 

ACUI is now accepting nominations for distinguished awards! Nominate by December 29!

Nominate Now

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
  2. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
  3. Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the award written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc., addressing:
    • The achievements of the nominee in the profession.
    • The demonstrated commitment of the nominee to the criteria identified for this specific award.
    • A summary of the nominee’s background to provide evidence that they meet the criteria identified for this specific award, including information related to professional experience and volunteer service—providing a current resume or curriculum vitae for the nominee is optional.

The submission deadline is December 29.

nominate now

Note: The submission process is updated this year through our new membership platform—which means applications can autofill with your profile information, be saved as pending for edits until you officially submit, and be stored for your future access. In order to submit an application, you will need to create an account login, if you don’t already have one.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. The nominee must:

  • Demonstrate evidence of including the college union idea in coursework.
  • Conduct or support research relevant to advancing campus community.
  • Foster relationships that promote the college union and demonstrate participation outside of their position as a faculty member.

Individuals with ACUI membership and whose full-time role is as a faculty member are eligible for this award. Nominations will be considered for five years, provided the nominee still holds a full-time faculty role. Nominees do not need to be tenured or tenure-track.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm award submissions have been received. A confidential Individuals Awards and Scholarships Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2021: Dr. Marquita Gammage – California State University–Northridge
  • 2020: Lawrence Baden, Webster University
  • 2019: Danielle DeSawal – Indiana University–Bloomington
  • 2018: Chris Laws – University of Washington