The Above and Beyond Partner Award will be presented to a faculty and/or staff member from a NAADA member institution who has given freely of their time, working outside the realm of their official responsibilities, to further the goals of their institution’s alumni, communications, development or student services programs, and has demonstrated leadership and organizational skills to inspire others to further the success of these programs and the institution.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Corporate Partner Award

This award recognizes any company or private entity who has had a record of contributions and have through their gifts (financial, in-kind, and/or time) made a major contribution to research, teaching, and/or extension programs to one or more NAADA member institutions. A representative of the company or private entity is encouraged to be present at the national conference to receive the award.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Founders Distinguished Service Award

The Founders Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the NAADA organization. This award is presented to an individual who is employed by a NAADA member institution at the time of nomination and has been actively participating in NAADA by taking a leadership role such as serving on the Board of Directors, chairing a committee, or hosting the annual conference.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Front Line Award

This award is given to a person who is a program assistant or serves in a clerical support staff role in a NAADA member’s alumni, communications, development or student services office. The award recognizes an individual’s initiative, teamwork and ability to work effectively with the public, how they have advanced the programs or relationships within the college or unit, and strengthened their college’s relationships with alumni, friends, donors and/or students. 

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Jane Longley-Cook Volunteer Service Award

The Jane Longley-Cook Volunteer Service Award was created in recognition of Jane’s long-time support of NAADA as a volunteer and representing her alma mater, Cornell University. She volunteered her time and efforts to further the goals of NAADA on a national basis, served in leadership roles, was an officer in our organization and was an effective spokesperson for NAADA. Recipients are recognized for their service to NAADA.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award

The Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award is given to recognize individuals for significant career activities and accomplishments, leadership activities in professional and community organizations, and other awards and recognitions. Individuals must be employed by a NAADA member institution with responsibilities for agricultural alumni, communications, development or student services. This award is in honor of Ray Miller. Ray was a beloved member of the NAADA family, having served a term as President, Conference Host and Historian. Ray was recognized for his work at The Ohio State University and NAADA in receiving the Professional Achievement Award (1994) and the Founder’s Distinguished Service Award (2003).

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Ruby C. McSwain Outstanding Philanthropist Award

This award recognizes an individual or individuals with a record of sustained giving to support agriculture, agricultural higher education, Cooperative Extension, and/or land grant universities. It also recognizes the individual(s) role as an advocate for agriculture and natural resources and for their philanthropy in community organizations, religious institutions, art, environment and social services.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Up and Coming Award

The Up and Coming Award honors individuals with 2 to 5 years of experience in the agricultural advancement professions of alumni relations, communications, development or student services. This award seeks to recognize the accomplishments of those whose early success is promising for future leadership and contributions to the member institution and/or NAADA.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.

Volunteer Service Award

The Volunteer Service Award is presented to an individual who has given freely of their time to further the goals of a NAADA member institution, and has demonstrated leadership and organizational skills that inspire and encourage others to further the success of the institution’s agriculture program as it relates to alumni relations, communications, development or student services.

Nominations open October 1, 2025, and remain available until February 20, 2026.