Region III Awards
2023 award nominations are now open! Nominations will be open from August 1 to September 29, 2023.
This award recognizes Region III institution that is advancing campus
community through a campus-sponsored program that has a positive impact
on campus and beyond and that fosters a campus environment that values
diversity and fosters inclusivity for all. These programs should focus
on supporting underrepresented/served communities on campus and in
society and/or educating the rest of the campus community about
inclusivity issues.
Past Recipients
- 2019 Recipient: University of South Florida–St. Petersburg for “Wednesdays in the O”
This award includes a $500 scholarship for professional development. The New Professional Award is given to a new professional within Region III who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the profession and Region III. Recipients of this award are active in their campus community and in ACUI initiatives. The recipient must be a staff member of an ACUI member institution and should meet the following criteria:
- Has been in the field at least two years but no more than five
- Has demonstrated commitment to the college union and student activities through institutional involvement
- Has demonstrated commitment to ACUI through regional and/or Association-wide involvement
Past Recipients
- 2022 Recipient: Erik Johnson, Georgia Institute of Technology
- 2020 Recipient: Darien Garrison, University of Alabama–Birmingham
- 2019 Recipient: Brent Sutphin, University of Southern Mississippi
Past Recipients
- 2022 Recipient: Emily Eisenstadt, Davidson College
- 2021 Recipient: Shane Farmer, Clemson University
- 2020 Recipient: Anthony Carinci, University of South Florida–St. Petersburg
- 2019 Recipient: Jessica Inman, University of Florida
Past Recipients
- 2022 Recipient: Brooklyn Barnes, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- 2021 Recipient: Ben Helms, Western Carolina University
- 2020 Recipient: KenAndre Smiley, University of South Alabama
- 2019 Recipient: Craig Messina, North Carolina State University
Past Recipients
- 2022 Recipient: Darien Garrison, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- 2021 Recipient: Jennifer Duncan, Agnes Scott College
- 2020 Recipient: Emily Reynolds, East Carolina University
- 2019 Recipient: Chris Adrian, Coastal Carolina University
The purpose of the award is to recognize union and student activities professionals of Region III member institutions who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the profession, Region III, ACUI, and their campus community. The nominee must be a staff member of an active ACUI member institution and have been in the profession for a minimum of 10 years.
The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award. The Smith-Steele Award for Professional Staff is named for two individuals who have dedicated their lives to the profession: C. Shaw Smith and Richard Steele. Smith served as the first union director for Davidson College for more than 30 years, the Region 5 coordinator twice, and as the ACUI national director. Steele served Region 6 as a member of the Regional Leadership Team, as a regional director, and as an ACUI president.
Past Recipients
- 2022 Recipient: Dean Smith, East Carolina University
- 2021 Recipient: Dwayne Isaacs, University of South Florida–St. Petersburg
- 2020 Recipient: James Contratto, University of South Alabama
- 2019 Recipient: Alison Ward, University of Tennessee–Knoxville
Past Recipients
- 2021 Recipient: U-NITES! Programs, Clemson University
- 2020 Recipient: Appalachian State University for Engagement, Interrupted Podcast
- 2019 Recipient: University of South Carolina, Thursdays After Dark