Award Nominations

Please consider nominating a deserving colleague for one of illustrious TACUSPA awards. Criteria for the awards are listed below. All nominations should be accompanied by at least one (1) letter of support. 

Dr. James (Jim) E. Caswell Distinguished Service Award
A. Continuous TACUSPA membership for at least ten years
B. Leadership performance in student affairs at the state, regional, or national level, the high quality of which is recognized by peers
C. Contributions above and beyond the normal service required by positions of leadership

The letter(s) of support must be emailed no later than Monday, July 14, 2025 to the Past President, Corey Benson at benson_c@utpb.edu. 

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Outstanding New Professional Award
A. Served no more than five years in a full-time position in student affairs
B. Will be judged on contributions to TACUSPA and contributions to the individual’s employer institution(s)
C. Has performed all aspects of his/her job in an exemplary manner
D. Must include a letter of support from the immediate supervisor as part of the nomination

E. Must be a current member of TACUSPA

Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award
A. Demonstrated expertise in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning and professional development
B. Outstanding individual contribution in innovative and responsive services and programs that address varied and emerging needs of students
C. Significant contributions to the profession and to TACUSPA
D. Must have at least five years as a full-time practitioner in the field of Student Affairs
E. Must be a current member of TACUSPA

Dissertation of the Year
A. Outstanding doctoral student in, or intending to enter, student affairs work
B. Demonstrates high-quality research relevant to student affairs administration
C. Completed dissertations and had a degree conferred no more than 12 months prior
D. Must be a current member of TACUSPA

Faculty Member of the Year Award
A. Full-time faculty member who teaches a course related to college students in Texas and long-term, part-time faculty members who teach similar courses or supervise internships
B. In addition to the nomination form, must have one letter of support from a current student, former student, or professional colleague
D. Must be a current member of TACUSPA

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Award Benefits
1. Each award recipient, with the exception of the Dr. James E. (Jim) Caswell Distinguished Service Award, will receive a complimentary one-year membership for the following year.
2. The recipient of the Dr. James E. (Jim) Caswell Distinguished Service Award will receive a complimentary Emeritus Membership.
3. Recipients, with the exception of the Dr. James E. (Jim) Caswell Distinguished Service Award, will receive a plaque/award. The Dr. James E. (Jim) Caswell Distinguished Service Award recipient will receive a larger, more substantial glass award.
4. Recipients will be listed on the TACUSPA website, recognized in the TACUSPA Newsletter following the conference, and have a formal announcement submitted to their institution’s Public Information Office. 

Nominations for the 2025 awards will be accepted through Monday, July 14, 2025. 

All nomination forms must be submitted online.

Selection Process

The Awards & Recognition Committee blindly reviews and evaluates each eligible nominee for all awards except the Caswell Distinguished Service Award.  The Caswell Distinguished Service Award is reviewed and evaluated by a subcommittee led by the Past President.  If multiple nominations are submitted for the same person and same award, all nominations will be evaluated.  

Submit a Nomination