NACUA's Honors and Awards

The Distinguished Service Award

Established by the Association to recognize individuals who have given extraordinary service both to NACUA and to institutions of higher learning over an extended period of time, whether in legal or other capacities (for example, as members of governing boards). Recipients have made outstanding contributions to the work of the Association, and to its recognition in the legal and educational professions.

Fellows of the Association

Initiated in 1987-88, the status of Fellow is granted to recognize exemplary service over an extended time by individuals who have brought distinction to the practice of law on behalf of college and university clients, whether through the quality of their scholarship, the breadth of their service, or through other means.

First Decade Award

This award recognizes a member representative who has made a significantly innovative contribution to NACUA or provided outstanding service to the Association and to the practice of higher education law, and who has been a member of NACUA for ten or fewer years. Contributions might include, but are not limited to, participation in NACUA educational programs as a speaker or moderator; contributions to NACUA's publications program or legal resources library; and/or service on NACUA committees, task forces, and work groups, or a singular innovation that significantly advances NACUA's ability to achieve its mission.

Honorary Membership

Conferred upon persons who have made substantial contributions through NACUA to the understanding of legal issues affecting colleges and universities, whether or not the persons so honored are members of the bar. Honorary memberships have been conferred on four occasions by the Association, in each case to a person who has made uniquely valuable contributions both to the understanding of legal issues in higher education and to the continuing life and development of the Association.

Life Membership

Granted upon an individual's retirement (or similar end of regular representative status), in recognition of outstanding service and substantial contributions to the Association.