2026 Award Descriptions

For questions about awards, please direct questions to The Awards Committee at [email protected].

AHEPPP Outstanding Professionals Awards  

• Outstanding Mentor Award
  
• Exceptional Service Award
  
• Rising Star Award
• Founders’ Award of Excellence
  

AHEPPP Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction Awards

• Excellence in Innovation
• Something Borrowed, Something New
  
• Powerful Partnerships
  
• Creative Communication
  
• Outstanding Contributions to Research and/or Literature
  

Scoring is based on the quality of nominations and those that demonstrate more core values (with high quality), have the potential for higher scores.  

Descriptions of Awards

Outstanding Mentor  

The AHEPPP Outstanding Mentor Award honors a higher education professional who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring and advising within the field, fostering the professional development and growth of others. Mentorship may occur through structured programs, informal relationships, or professional advocacy, whether through participation in programs like the AHEPPP Mentor Program or within their institution. Nominees will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field. Nominations will provide specific examples of mentee growth and professional impact, including how the mentor models ethical leadership and supports contributions to the profession. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify the AHEPPP mission.

1. Background: Reviewers are looking for depth and consistency of mentoring involvement.

• Identifies the nominee’s experience within parent and family programs (minimum of 3 years).
• Describes the nominee’s involvement in mentoring (formal and/or informal), including participation in programs such as the AHEPPP Mentor Program or institutional mentoring efforts.
• Demonstrates sustained commitment to mentoring and supporting others in the profession.

2. Impact and Assessment: Reviewers are looking for evidence that the mentor has consistently made a meaningful difference. 

• Provides specific examples of mentee growth, success, and professional advancement.
• Demonstrates how the nominee has supported skill development, confidence-building, and career progression.
• Highlights the nominee’s role in guiding, advocating for, and supporting mentees.
• Includes qualitative and/or quantitative evidence of impact when possible.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Outstanding Professional: Exceptional Service

The AHEPPP Exceptional Service Award honors AHEPPP volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service to the AHEPPP community and the broader field. The award emphasizes the significance of service and collaboration by recognizing individuals who exemplify a strong commitment to the AHEPPP mission. Additionally, this award recognizes individuals who have contributed their knowledge, expertise, and/or research findings to advance the profession.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality, depth, and clarity of the nomination materials. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate a continued record of service and collaboration. Reviewers will assess nominations using the following criteria:

1. Background: Reviewers are looking for a strong history of service and experience in parent and family programs.

• Provides an extensive history of service at the institution, within AHEPPP, and across the wider field.
• Serves their institution and/or AHEPPP in a variety of areas or opportunities.
• Attaches supporting evidence of service, if applicable, including research findings and/or publications.

2. Impact: Reviewers are looking for evidence that the nominee’s contributions positively affected the field.

• Describes, with evidence, how service history has positively affected parent and family programs.
• Reflects on personal development and individual accomplishments as a result of service.
• Identifies future service or involvement opportunities within their institution and AHEPPP.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for evidence of service as it is connected and/or aligned with the AHEPPP Mission.

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Outstanding Professional: Founders’ Award of Excellence

The AHEPPP Founders’ Award of Excellence recognizes a professional in the field of parent and family programs who has made a lasting impact on the profession. Nominees will have at least five (5) years of professional experience. This prestigious award honors a leader who demonstrates a deep commitment to the community and the field by embodying the AHEPPP Mission.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality, depth, and clarity of the nomination materials. Strong applications will clearly articulate how the individual serves as a key leader and has made a lasting impact on the field.

1. Background: Reviewers are looking for a clear acknowledgment of the nominee’s longstanding dedication and commitment to parent and family programs.

• Identifies field experience and roles within parent and family programs.
• Details experience in external duties and committee work for AHEPPP and other professional organizations.
• Exemplifies a continued commitment to the field and the organization.

2. Impact:  Reviewers are looking for evidence of long-lasting contributions expanding outside of the nominee’s institution.

• Reflects on the individual’s specific contributions to their institution and to the profession as a whole.
• Explains how the individual has advanced the profession and the organization.
• Recognizes how the individual is seen as a respected leader and role model at their institution and within the organization.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Outstanding Professional: Rising Star

The AHEPPP Rising Star award honors emerging professionals who demonstrate innovative, student-centered practices and strong potential for leadership in parent and family engagement. Nominees will have between one (1) and three (3) years of experience in the profession or with AHEPPP. This award recognizes early-career professionals whose work advances student success, strengthens the profession, and honors individuals committed to the AHEPPP mission.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality, depth, and clarity of the nomination materials. Strong applications will clearly articulate how the nominee demonstrates early-career excellence, meaningful contributions, and strong potential for leadership in the field of parent and family engagement.

1. Background:  Reviewers are looking for a clear understanding of the nominee’s early career and commitment to the field.

• Identifies the nominee’s experience within parent and family programs (1–3 years).
• Highlights roles, responsibilities, and early contributions to their institution and/or AHEPPP.
• Demonstrates commitment to entering and growing within the profession.

2. Impact: Reviewers are looking for evidence that the nominee is already making a difference.

• Describes the nominee’s specific contributions to their institution, students, and families.
• Provides evidence of meaningful impact (qualitative and/or quantitative).
• Highlights initiative, creativity, and student-centered practices.
• Demonstrates how the nominee is already contributing to student success and family engagement.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction: Excellence in Innovation

The AHEPPP Excellence in Innovation Award honors an individual or team who has introduced innovative programs, initiatives, or communication practices within their institution or the AHEPPP community. This award recognizes a higher education institution and its professional(s) in parent and family programs who have developed and implemented creative initiatives that enhance activities, services, and communication with parents and families of undergraduate students. Examples of such initiatives include new orientation formats, technology use, and population-specific programming, innovative communication, and more. The award aligns with the mission of AHEPPP.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement creative, forward-thinking programs, initiatives, or communication strategies that enhance engagement with parents and families.  Submissions will reflect a strong foundation of experience, clear evidence of meaningful impact, and alignment with the AHEPPP mission through innovative approaches that advance the field. 

1. Background: Reviewers will look for experience and history of innovation in parent and family programs.

• Demonstrates a history of developing or implementing innovative parent and family programs, services, or communication strategies 
• Provides clear examples of creative initiatives (e.g., orientation formats, technology use, targeted programming) 
• Includes supporting context, assessment, or evidence that illustrates the development and purpose of innovation

2. Impact: Reviewers are looking for clear evidence that the nominee’s innovative contributions have positively influenced parent and family programs, services, or communication practices.

• Shows how innovation improved parent and family engagement, services, or communication
• Provides evidence of outcomes, effectiveness, or measurable results
• Highlights contributions to the institution and/or broader AHEPPP community

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

 Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction: Something Borrowed, Something New

Something Borrowed, Something New Award

The AHEPPP Something Borrowed, Something New Award honors an AHEPPP member institution that has thoughtfully adapted and implemented a program, initiative, or research model inspired by another institution. This award recognizes the power of collaboration and shared innovation within the profession.

Rather than simply replicating an idea, recipients demonstrate intentional adaptation by aligning the borrowed concept with their institution’s unique context, audience, and goals. The award celebrates both the adopting and originating institutions, highlighting the collective advancement of parent and family engagement work.

Nominations are evaluated based on:

• Intentional adaptation and implementation
• Demonstrated impact and assessment
• Alignment with the AHEPPP mission
• Sustainability and responsible resource use
• Strength of submission materials

Nominations may be submitted by anyone working at an AHEPPP member institution. The nominator does not need to be directly affiliated with a parent and family program.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality, depth, and clarity of the nomination materials. Strong applications will clearly articulate how the borrowed idea was adapted, implemented, and assessed. Reviewers will assess nominations using the following criteria:

1. Origin and Adaptation What reviewers are looking for: Clear acknowledgment of the originating institution and evidence of thoughtful adaptation, not duplication.

• Clearly identifies the originating institution and program/initiative/research model.
• Demonstrates intentional adaptation rather than duplication.
• Explains how the program was modified to align with institutional culture, student/family population, and strategic priorities.
• Acknowledges collaboration or partnership between institutions when applicable.

2. Impact and Assessment What reviewers are looking for: Evidence that the initiative made a measurable or meaningful difference

• Provides evidence of effectiveness (qualitative and/or quantitative data).
• Demonstrates measurable outcomes or meaningful impact on families, students, staff, or the institution.
• Includes assessment strategies and lessons learned.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

4. Sustainability and Overall Strength What reviewers are looking for: Long-term viability and overall clarity of nomination.

• Demonstrates thoughtful planning for long-term sustainability.
• Shows responsible use of institutional resources.
• Identifies potential for replication or adaptation by other institutions.

Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction: Powerful Partnerships

Evaluation Criteria

Nominees are evaluated on the strength, collaboration, and impact of their joint efforts to enhance parent and family engagement. Submissions should demonstrate a shared vision, clear contributions from all partners, and meaningful outcomes that reflect collaborative success and alignment with the AHEPPP mission.

1. Background: Reviewers are looking for evidence of the development and structure of the partnership. 

• Describe the purpose and development of the partnership, including the shared vision
• Clearly outline each partner’s role and contributions to the initiative
• Provide context for how the collaboration was established and coordinated

2. Impact: Reviewers are looking for a clear picture of how the partnership directly impacted parent and family engagement, as well as any assessment models used to measure outcomes and effectiveness.

• Explain how the partnership enhanced parent and family engagement
• Share outcomes or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the collaboration
• Highlight how the joint effort contributed to the success or sustainability of the initiative

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction: Creative Communication

The AHEPPP Excellence in Innovation Award honors an individual or team who has introduced innovative programs, initiatives, or communication practices within their institution or the AHEPPP community. This award recognizes a higher education institution and its professional(s) in parent and family programs who have developed and implemented creative initiatives that enhance activities, services, and communication with parents and families of undergraduate students. Examples of such initiatives include new orientation formats, technology use, and population-specific programming, innovative communication, and more. The award aligns with the mission of AHEPPP.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement creative, forward-thinking programs, initiatives, or communication strategies that enhance engagement with parents and families.  Submissions will reflect a strong foundation of experience, clear evidence of meaningful impact, and alignment with the AHEPPP mission through innovative approaches that advance the field. 

1. Background: Reviewers will look for experience and history of innovation in parent and family programs.

• Demonstrates a history of developing or implementing innovative parent and family programs, services, or communication strategies 
• Provides clear examples of creative initiatives (e.g., orientation formats, technology use, targeted programming) 
• Includes supporting context, assessment, or evidence that illustrates the development and purpose of innovation

2. Impact: Reviewers are looking for clear evidence that the nominee’s innovative contributions have positively influenced parent and family programs, services, or communication practices.

• Shows how innovation improved parent and family engagement, services, or communication
• Provides evidence of outcomes, effectiveness, or measurable results
• Highlights contributions to the institution and/or broader AHEPPP community

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.

Programs, Initiatives, and Research of Distinction: Outstanding Contributions to Research and/or Literature

The AHEPPP Outstanding Contributions to Research and/or Literature Award recognizes a professional in the field of parent and family programs who has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge and practices surrounding the engagement of parents and families in higher education. This award honors individuals whose work has advanced the profession and made a lasting impact. The recipient will have published articles, survey analyses, and/or books or book chapters within the past five (5) years. The work will focus on the parent/family engagement in post-secondary education, particularly as it relates to student development and/or retention, and will align with the AHEPPP Mission.

Evaluation Criteria

Nominees are evaluated on the quality, relevance, and impact of their published work related to parent and family engagement in higher education. Submissions should demonstrate contributions to the field within the past five years, connect to student development and/or retention, and align with the AHEPPP mission by advancing professional knowledge and practice.

1. Background: Reviewers are looking for a strong history of involvement in ongoing research and experience in parent and family programs.

• Provides a complete history of research at the institution, within AHEPPP, and across the wider field.
• Serves their institution and/or AHEPPP in a variety of areas or opportunities.
• Attaches supporting evidence of involvement, if applicable, including research findings, professional presentations, and/or publications.

2. Impact:  Reviewers are looking for evidence of relevance to the field of parent and family engagement and how the nominee’s research and contributions positively affected the field.

• Describes, with evidence, the relevance of the research and how it has positively affected parent and family programs.
• Reflects on personal development and individual accomplishments
• Identifies future involvement opportunities within their institution and AHEPPP.

3. Alignment with AHEPPP Mission: Reviewers are looking for the connection to and/or alignment with the AHEPPP mission

• The work centers on advancing student success through meaningful parent and family engagement and strong partnerships across the institution. It reflects a collaborative and ethical approach that supports both families and professionals in navigating the higher education experience. Grounded in research, assessment, and best practices, the work demonstrates thoughtful innovation and a commitment to continuous learning. It also contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the institution and the profession.