C. Shaw Smith New Professional Award

The C. Shaw Smith New Professional Award was established in February 1994 to honor the memory of a beloved NACA founder. C. Shaw Smith’s influence, affection and support of new professionals entering campus activities is reflected in this annual award to recognize an individual who demonstrates the potential and commitment for excellence in service to student leaders.

ELIGIBILITY 

  • Only professional staff members (employed full-time at a college or university) in the field for less than five years are considered. 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION The Awards Committee will select, by majority vote, one individual who: 

  • Has made a significant contribution to campus life as a new campus activities professional 
  • Has shown long-term potential in the field of campus activities
  • Displays genuine support and regard for students 
  • Is viewed by colleagues as an educator

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form and include the following as attachments:

  • A letter of recommendation from the nominee's supervisor
  • A letter of recommendation from a student leader
  • Two letters of recommendation from colleagues/peers in the field
  • A personal statement of campus activities/programming philosophy may be requested of nominees
  • Optional: Additional supporting materials (i.e. letters, publicity, newspaper reviews, recognition, etc.). may be included.

Nomination Deadline: November 1

Past Award Recipients

2025 - Sundas Shahid
2024 - Telvin James
2023 - Chris Pruden
2022 - Blair Wortsmith
2021 - Rigo Gutierrez
2020 - Tim Johnson
2019 - Michael Croal
2018 - Demetrius Watkins
2017 - Tiffany Harrison
2016 - Eboni Turnbow
2015 - Allyson Crust
2014 - Janet Kirsch
2013 - Justin Roe
2012 - Adam Frank
2011 - Natalie Keller Pariano

2010 - Angela Zemke
2009 - Amy Vaughan Deahl
2008 - Joshua Hiscock
2007 - Heather Yattaw
2006 - Corey Lansing
2005 - Brian Gardner
2004 - Dawn Shew
2003 - Suzette Zompetti
2002 - Carolyn Strickland
2001 - Stephanie Russell Krebs
2000 - David DeAngelis
1999 - Brian Wooten
1998 - Tamie Klumpyan
1997 - Tricia Petty
1996 - Heather Larabee
1995 - Brian Borski
1994 - Morolake Laosebikan-Buggs